Painter is drawn to island's way of life

HAIKOU — In Kuznetsova Aleksandra's studio in Haikou, the capital of Hainan, a tropical island province in South China, an oil painting of St. Basil's Cathedral hangs beside a portrait capturing the grace of a woman from the Li ethnic group, symbolizing two distinct aspects of the artist's life.

Raised in a family of artists, the 24-year-old Russian woman developed a profound love for painting from an early age. Six years ago, she relocated to Hainan and set up her studio there.

Her enchantment with Chinese culture ignited when she was just 10 years old.

"I didn't have Mandarin teachers," she fondly recalls.

"I picked up the language through the internet, books and TV. I simply adore Chinese culture."

In 2018, driven by her passion, Aleksandra journeyed to Hainan to study, where she was captivated by the island's tranquil natural beauty and unhurried pace of life.

"It's an incredibly beautiful place, and the people are kind, charming and authentically simple," she reflects. "Life unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing them to harmonize with nature."

Living in Hainan enables her to immerse herself in nature and humanity, two beloved themes in her artwork. The local people and culture have become essential to her life as she and her husband, whom she met on the island, have ventured through its landscapes together.

"We ventured into the heart of Hainan. It was during these journeys that I first encountered the Li people," she recalls.

The Li brocade has left a lasting impact on her. This traditional textile of the Li ethnic group in Hainan is revered as a "living fossil" of the textile industry, boasting a history of over 3,000 years.

"When you witness a woman weaving this brocade, she is narrating a tale passed down through generations, such as that of Dalishen, the God of Strength, watching over us. It not only inspires me but also empowers me to create," she says.

She strives to capture the intricate patterns of the brocade in her paintings, seamlessly weaving local culture into her creations — a process that has brought her profound satisfaction.

Throughout her stay in Hainan, Aleksandra has observed the evolution of the local culture.

She expresses delight in the emergence of new cultural landmarks, such as the serene Wormhole Library and the coastal structure Sky Mountain. The latter encompasses bookstores, cafes, galleries and an outdoor stage.

Aleksandra highlights the flourishing artistic landscape in Hainan, emphasizing that the island's welcoming atmosphere offers a wealth of opportunities for artists.

"In recent years, I've crossed paths with numerous artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers, musicians and architects on this island. …The artistic community here thrives on sharing art, music and the simple pleasures of life," she says.

In the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia and the commencement of the 2024-25 China-Russia Years of Culture, cultural exchange events are underway in both nations.

"Art transcends borders and possesses the ability to connect disparate cultures," Aleksandra says.

With the intention of fostering mutual understanding between the people of China and Russia through her art, she envisions curating an exhibition that showcases the rich tapestry of Chinese and Russian culture.

"I will stay in China for as long as I can. It's my second home," she says.

Xinhua