Capturing mystical essence of Chinese culture

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Taking inspiration from her natural surroundings and having a desire to learn historical accounts of different cultures helps local painter Phoenix Aaliyah to create some fascinating artworks that are a feast for the eyes.

Using interactive and acrylic paint, her artwork has a predominant Asian imprint.

On her paintings, Aaliyah recalls deriving some influence from a Chinese serialised anime called Mao Dao Zu Shi, which depicts a fictional Xianxia (immortal heroes) world where humans attempt to cultivate to a state of immortality, known as Xian.

The artist, however, captures the mystical essence and timelessness of the rich history of the Chinese culture through her blissful and vibrant brush strokes.

As a kid, she remembers taking up drawing and painting. But it was only in her last year in high school that she started to take the hobby seriously.

One of the interesting aspects of all her paintings is that they feel very private, when looked at. The image of ancient huts calmly resting on a raised land form and under a massive blue and bright moonlit night is peaceful and astonishing to look at.

Aaliyah says she doesn't create an artwork with a conscious intention to have a meaning behind it.

“Rather I like to give the viewer a chance to create their own stories when they see my paintings.”