To artist Francesco Lietti, Discovery Bay is a cross-cultural canvas where his Italian heritage and sense of belonging to Hong Kong converge. In three large fiberglass Venetian masks painted with acrylics, outdoor emulsion, and collages, he showcases the unique landscape and lifestyle of this island community.
Lietti's bond with DB was forged six or seven years ago, when he began visiting friends who lived there, joining them for lunch or coffee, or going on hikes.
As an expatriate in Hong Kong, he said walking around DB with fellow expats makes him feel like he is back in Italy. From its authentic cuisine and architecture, such as the DB North Clock Tower, to its leisurely pace of life, the area exudes an exquisite Italian charm.
Despite being known for his paintings of Hong Kong, Lietti's Italian roots have shone through in his work. To capture the essence of DB, he chose Venetian masks as his artistic medium.
In the first mask, "Seaside Living," he connects DB's rolling hills with Central's dense, colorful skyscrapers.
"You can enjoy the resort lifestyle in DB, then put on a suit, take a ferry and go to work in Central," he said.
In addition to painting, the mixed-media artist incorporated collages in the masks, with phrases like "How convenient," "Cheers," and "Eleganza" – cut out from magazines or newspapers, or printed by himself – peeking out from behind clouds or billboards.
Situated near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the airport on Lantau Island, DB stands as the symbol of a global gateway. This role of DB is represented, in the second mask "Esteemed Living," with two Chinese white dolphins – Lantau's beloved visitors and the popular mascots for the 15th National Games – leaping into the air over the surface of an orange ocean.
The distinctive orange color of the water, he explained, is also a subtle reference to the warm, earthy palette of Tuscany, Italy.
The third mask “Green Living” places DB’s Italian character in the limelight by centering on its new residential project, "Toscana."
Surrounded by lush greenery, the project evokes the vineyards and winding roads commonly found in its namesake.
In a search for inspiration, Lietti visited Tuscany in summer last year, where he was moved by the synergy between man-made architecture and natural scenery.
The mask presents rows of cypress trees and scattered Italian buildings in signature terracotta hues, which are echoed in the "Toscana" residence.
Formerly an architect, Lietti first visited Hong Kong in 2005, when the city's distinct fusion of modern urbanity and vast nature instantly persuaded him to stay. He has now lived here for almost two decades.
Lietti said he embraces Hong Kong's "fast-paced" and "exciting" energy, but sometimes craves a break in DB, a place that offers "space and time to enjoy the moment." He adores the city's duality that allows him to switch between different ways of life.
In his future works, Lietti plans to explore more Italian themes while seeking inspiration from daily life in Hong Kong, expecting ceaseless surprises from the dynamic city.
Working alongside students and teachers from Discovery Bay International School, Francesco Lietti has created the "Happy Living" mask – a vibrant artwork capturing the idyllic lifestyle of Discovery Bay through the eyes of its youngest residents.
Adorned with iconic buildings like The Pavilion and DB Plaza, golf buggies, and flowers, the mask brings the students' cherished living space to life.
Lietti guided the students through painting techniques and brainstorming for the mask's design, focusing on what they love most about their surroundings.
One of the students, Florence Marchant, picked the DB ice skates as the symbol of the community's "chill" lifestyle.
Another student, Ben Li, found inspiration from the area's architecture and added the bright colors of its buildings to the mask.
Tai Pak Beach, renowned for its soft, white sand, is another favorite among students.
Through working on the mask, Lietti hoped students could develop appreciation for the beauty of DB and learn to collaborate with others.
"Everyone contributes differently, but the final result is what matters – it's about the community, not just one person," he noted, looking forward to more community projects in the future.
Hong Kong is energetic, bustling, and vibrant – a city that constantly offers a sense of freshness, said Francesco Lietti.
Working as an architect until 2017, he had contributed to major projects in the city, including the new water park at Ocean Park. The excitement of these projects, coupled with his growing discovery of the city, led him to fall in love with Hong Kong's dynamism.
"Hong Kong is a city you have to work to discover—there are so many places to explore, and I've tried to go everywhere I can," he said.
As a central theme of his painting, Lietti found the city's architecture as a treasure trove. Since street-level views can't reveal everything about a building, he often wanders inside, leading to unexpected discoveries.
Sometimes, to fuel fresh inspiration, he jumped on a bus without knowing the destination, letting curiosity guide his journey.
In recent years, he has also developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, often hiking with friends to find fresh air and tranquility under the shining city lights. It is this blend of a dense urban environment and pristine nature that makes the place unique, he said.
Beyond the landscape, fresh inspirations come from his interactions. He often engages with people here, as their words and stories frequently spark new ideas.
He explored the city so deeply that his work resonates profoundly with those who live amidst its energy. While his audience is more international—those looking to capture memories of their life in Hong Kong—he has also garnered a dedicated fan base among locals.
