Visual artist Yaoling Lee has officially launched the second edition of her acclaimed publication “Beautiful Belize City,” accompanied by a comprehensive art exhibition at the Mexican Cultural Institute. The showcase, which will remain open to the public until April 23rd, features over fifty original watercolor works that provide deeper insight into Lee’s creative methodology.
The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections: urban sketches capturing Belize City’s vibrant landscapes, figurative studies created with live models in her studio, and botanical illustrations of flowers sourced from her own backyard and local markets. This organizational approach allows visitors to experience the full spectrum of Lee’s artistic practice and the diverse inspirations behind her work.
Following the remarkable success of the first edition published in 2024—which combined Lee’s visual artistry with literary contributions from twenty-two Belizean writers—this new installment presents fresh paintings and expanded narrative content. While acknowledging that writing doesn’t come as naturally to her as painting, Lee emphasizes her unique ability to document her artistic journey and the stories behind each creation.
The project stands as a significant cultural contribution to Belize’s artistic landscape, celebrating both visual and literary talent while documenting the urban character of Belize City through multiple creative perspectives. The exhibition serves as both a retrospective of Lee’s recent work and an introduction to the enhanced content featured in the forthcoming publication.