Artist and architect Hong Yi has created some stunning images, but instead of using traditional brushes and paint for her work, she’s used beauty products as her inspiration.
Yi has put together these amazing creations in honour of the Chinese New Year, using simple things like mascara brushes, lipstick and nail varnish to formulate her art. Here are some of our favourites:
1. “Good fortune has arrived!”
“Today I’d like to tell you a bit about this Chinese character 福 (Fu, pronounced foo) which you’ll see a lot during Chinese New Year. It means “good fortune”. Notice that I’ve created an upside-down “Fu” character? That’s because “upside-down” sounds like “arrive” in Chinese. So “upside-down Fu” sounds very much like “Good luck has arrived”! Many Chinese decorate the entrances of their homes with “upside-down Fu” to wish for prosperity and good fortune upon their families!”
2. Lanterns and Fire
“This piece of firecrackers and lanterns was made with a fiery red lipstick!” writes Yi. “At the night of New Year’s Eve, the “Year” will come out to harm people and animals…but “Year” is afraid of the colour red (yay!), fire, and loud noises. So, on New Year’s Eve, firecrackers are set off and people stay up till pretty late to fend off the “Year”.
3. The Horse
“Wishing you great success in the year of the horse!”
4. Blossoms
“Did you know that CNY is also known as Spring Festival? Here’s a bunch of cherry blossoms blooming in spring!”
They’re pretty amazing don’t you think? See more of her work on Instagram here.
Images via Red Hong Yi
