Interview: Dr. Lowly
Luca Curci speaks with Dr. Lowly during THE BODY LANGUAGE exhibition in Venice, which took place in February, and the ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2025 in Rome, held in March.

Dr. Low Lee Yong’s (Dr Lowly) artistic journey is a unique tapestry woven from diverse life experiences. While medicine and healthcare technology were his initial pursuits, a deep passion for art ultimately led him to fully embrace this creative path. His prior experiences in health tech and business, spanning over two decades, have profoundly shaped his artistic practice. Dr. Lowly brings strategic thinking, a spirit of innovation, and a keen understanding of human connection to his art. This unique blend allows him to approach each creation with focus and a sense of adventure.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Dr. Lowly – Though initially trained as a medical doctor, I spent 25 years of my life building a successful healthtech business as a self-taught entrepreneur. However, my artistic flame was reignited after selling off my business, guiding me to the vibrant world of abstract art during the Covid pandemic in 2020. My past leadership experiences and successes as a doctor and entrepreneur instilled in me a deep appreciation for vision, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Now, as a self-taught (“autodidactic”) artist, I find immense satisfaction in creating dynamic, colorful abstract pieces. I developed my signature technique, known as “squeeze and splatter,” which involves splattering acrylics on canvases, resulting in artworks that are both spontaneous and resonant. Nature serves as my endless muse – from manicured gardens to wild forests and towering peaks. The rich tapestry of colors and the beauty I experienced during my years of travel inspire my art, paying homage to fiery sunsets, changing seasons, and diverse landscapes. Through my creations, I capture ephemeral beauty and enduring hope, reflecting life’s fleeting nature alongside boundless possibilities. My vision is to use art to spark joy, ignite optimism, and inspire contemplation about humanity – where we come from and where we are headed. This vision, along with my travel experiences and 25 years of leadership in the healthtech business, deeply influences my artistic practice.

Image courtesy of Dr. Lowly

Image courtesy of Dr. Lowly

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
DL – I spend many days dreaming and thinking about the next art piece I want to paint. Visiting art galleries and observing sceneries allows me to contemplate deeply before I start painting. I enjoy secluding myself in my studio at night when it’s quiet, and immersing myself in the act of painting. While painting, I feel so free and liberated. Every splatter of vibrant paint that drops on the canvas with energy resonates with my inner voice, making me feel relaxed, euphoric and fulfilled. Once I start, time seems to fly by and I totally lose track of it. However, I always end up feeling a deep sense of joy and satisfaction after looking at my completed work-a piece that I dreamt of creating.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
DL – Nature is my eternal muse-a boundless wellspring of wonder. From melting glaciers whispering of time’s passage to sunsets ablaze with celestial fire, I am captivated by the grandeur of creation. The changing seasons, especially winter’s quiet poetry, hold a cherished place in my heart and often weave their way into my work. My journeys across the world have given rise to abstract travelogues, distilling the spirit of iconic landscapes like the majestic pyramids of Giza. My art is a vibrant symphony of color and movement, pulsing with energy and emotion. Each brushstroke seeks to kindle hope, spark optimism, and invite reflection on the human experience. Birds-toucans, parrots, and abstract creatures of my imagination-soar across my canvases, embodying themes of creation, resilience, and the ever-unfolding journey of life. My fascination with the unseen world, shaped by my medical training, draws me into the intricate beauty of microscopic human tissues, a realm as mesmerizing as the vast landscapes I depict. Through my work, I seek to capture the ephemeral and the eternal-life’s fleeting moments set against the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.

LC – What do you think about art on social media? Are they turning into the new showcases of contemporary art?
DL – Art on social media has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we share, view, and appreciate contemporary art. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and even TikTok have become vibrant galleries where artists can showcase their work to a global audience. These digital spaces offer artists unprecedented opportunities to reach new fans, collectors, and collaborators without the need for traditional gallery spaces. Social media allows for real-time interaction and feedback, creating a dynamic and engaging art community. Artists can share their creative process, receive instant responses, and build a personal connection with their audience. The ability to go viral or be discovered by influencers can significantly boost an artist’s visibility and career. In essence, social media is becoming the new showcase of contemporary art, democratizing access to art and fostering a more inclusive and diverse artistic landscape. It’s a powerful tool for both emerging and established artists to share their vision, engage with a wider audience, and be part of a global art conversation.

LC – What are the three hashtags essential to define your poetics that you could not give up?
DL – These hashtags beautifully encapsulate my artistic journey and philosophy:
#SqueezeAndSplatter: My signature technique, born from experimentation with various styles and methods, showcases my unique approach to painting.
#DrLowlyArt : This reflects my humble beginnings and the incredible journey from a young boy with a passion for art, to a doctor seeking to escape poverty, and finally rediscovering my artistic flame after years in medicine and healthtech entrepreneurship.
#Eternitylife: This profound hashtag embodies my belief in our eternal souls and the everlasting life and impact we can make by connecting with our Creator.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
DL – Absolutely! I thoroughly enjoyed cooperating with ITSLiquid. The CEO Luca Curci is visionary, friendly, and approachable, with a genuine passion for promoting artistic endeavors. His team, including staff members like Annacharia, is professional, proactive, and highly responsive to emails. It’s been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated and dynamic group.