In the vibrant realm of oil paintings, Qinying Cai stands as an artist with a profound connection to emotions, translating her experiences into captivating visual narratives. Hailing from China, she embarked on a transformative journey, marked by resilience, self-discovery, and a profound love for classical art.
Cai’s journey with art began in childhood, a refuge from the anxieties of school life. Struggling with dyslexia, painting provided solace and a sense of accomplishment. Dyslexic individuals often think in images rather than words. This visual thinking can enhance creativity, allowing for a unique perspective on the world. Some excel in spatial reasoning, which involves understanding and manipulating visual image, and that is often an asset in fields such as art and design. Recognized for her talent, she found praise in expression through art, setting the stage for a lifelong passion.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to classical art, she pursued her education at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St Petersburg, Russia. Choosing oil painting as her medium, she delved into the fundamentals of classical artistry, inspired by the likes of Repin, Monet, and Da Vinci.
Living in Russia posed challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and solitude, yet these difficulties nurtured resilience. Her inner strength guided her through academic rigor and personal trials, while the creative process evolved into an intimate exploration of emotions and experiences. Despite challenges, life in Russia offered enriching experiences. Academy students not only learned classical techniques but also bonded with renowned masters, visiting their homes filled with Russian traditions. These experiences profoundly influenced the young artist, shaping her cultural understanding and artistic direction.
These life lessons: good and bad, challenging and enriching – are reflected in her standout piece, “Falling,” which marks Cai’s arrival at her distinct style. Untouched by external influence, it stands as testament to her authentic self-expression. Immersed in the world of dreams, but entangled by reality is like falling into abyss, while saving, constantly pulling oneself. The people in the picture seem to be falling and holding their hands tightly, which is the expression of not giving up, self-redemption, and the belief that human beings are brave and strong to face and go through anything.
As someone who will forever keep an inner understanding of various cultures, having an international experience herself, she sees the importance of sharing her life, culture and view of the world with others, as only through sharing and communication can we come to true understanding of each other and the realization of how much unites rather than separates us.
Cai’s art revolves around the inner world, capturing personal experiences and mirroring the thoughts and feelings of her generation. Through her work, she seeks to offer hope, understanding, and a shared experience that transcends cultural and generational divides. Her art, a reflection of life’s cyclical nature, offers a reminder that challenges are fleeting.
This is expressed especially well in her piece “A momentary sadness”. A girl immersed in her sadness is surrounded by water and clouds representing the constant flow of life, the fleeting nature of emotions and experiences we all go through. Cai’s work often feel like a poem: lyrical, kind, soft as a touch of mother’s hand, supporting and reminding us to stay strong and resilient in the cyclical nature of life.
The emotional resonance in Qinying Cai’s art makes her a compelling storyteller, a master of emotions, creating a visual diary of a life in perpetual motion. With each stroke, each color, Qinying Cai narrates a tale of shared humanity and extends an invitation to connect, to feel, and to find solace in the shared journey, reminding viewers of the common threads that bind us all.
