‘Is this it?’ Amelia’s work inspired by Tracey Emin and her use of dramatic expressive painting Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Story
By Chen Miaolin
Beneath the dappled sunlight of Hangzhou’s West Lake, Amelia Sleight, a 22-year-old Oxford fine art student, leans over the edge of a wooden boat, her fingers trailing the water’s surface.
“It feels like stepping into a poem,” she murmurs, her voice blending with the rhythmic splash of oars. For Amelia, China is no longer just a destination--it has become a muse.
Since her first solo trip to Chongqing and Shanghai in Apr 2024, the British painter has been captivated by China’s interplay of tradition and modernity. Now, as part of a cultural exchange program in Hangzhou, she finds herself immersed in what she describes as a “living canvas”. “China taught me to see the world bigger,” she says, her voice soft but resolute.
In Hangzhou, Amelia finds herself captivated by the city’s unique charm. “The blend of the natural world and the contemporary metropolis is truly impressive. The city does an amazing job of supporting its wildlife and maintaining a beautiful ecosystem, even amidst potential pollution,” she remarks, her eyes lighting up with admiration. The boat trip across Xixi Wetland Park stands out as a highlight. “It was so beautiful. Just being able to settle down, enjoy the breeze, and take in the surroundings was a special moment. Sitting next to the tour guide, listening to the stories of Hangzhou, it felt like stepping into a harbor of love and tradition.”
Amelia’s fascination extends beyond the city’s natural beauty to its cultural nuances. She is particularly impressed by the communal dining experience in China. “In British culture, we often have meals around a round table, but it’s not the same as sharing food here. The constant sharing and lively dialogue across the table keep the energy flowinig. It’s a beautiful way to connect and communicate.”
The visit to Hangzhou’s art museums further fuels her creativity. “We saw a huge range of different art forms--sculpture, video, contemporary painting, and traditional painting. It was such a broad range of styles and pieces. It allowed me to delve into topics and themes I really enjoy and feel connected to my own practice,” she says, her voice filled with passion.
Growing up in a household where conventional 9-to-5 employment was considered the standard career path, Amelia’s passion for art stood out. “My parents are both career-driven, caring for others, and that’s a huge part of their lives. But I was always creative. School for me was more about the creative subjects. I loved hanging out with teachers and hearing their stories about art.”
Her journey into art was not just about following a passion but about finding a voice. “I used to worry that I had to do a very typical job. But art’s unpredictability and competitiveness are what keep me going. It’s the beauty in spontaneity that makes me want to try even harder to achieve my dreams.”
Amelia’s art is a testament to her expressive nature. “I’ve always been able to articulate my emotions. That’s deeply rooted in why I’m an artist,” she explains, her voice soft but filled with conviction. Her works, evolving from black-and-white pieces focusing on female pain and social stress to vibrant explorations of the female body and identity, mirror her journey of self-discovery and growth.
She draws inspiration from art
ists like Tracy Emin. “She is a real special person to me. She’s been through so much, but her resilience and dedication to her art are truly inspiring.” Her work--expressive, emotionally charged, and deeply influenced by Tracey Emin’s raw, confessional style--mirrors her own journey of grappling with identity and societal expectations. Her self-portrait Is this it? is a visceral critique of gendered domesticity, using bold colors and jagged brushstrokes to depict a woman engulfed by mundane symbols: aprons, cutlery, and hollow eyes. “It’s about the suffocation of predefined roles,” she explains, “Art lets me scream what words can’t.”
Amelia’s long-term aspirations are clear. “I hope to have a strong relationship between the West and the East. I’d love to have a base in China, with my own art gallery or studio, while maintaining connections with the Western world. For me, art is about bridging gaps and creating connections.”