Lot #220 | The Peony Fairy by Elena Kambina

Introducing “The Peony Fairy” by Elena Kambina: An Extraordinary Portrait of China’s First Lady.

Step into the captivating world of art and witness a masterpiece that encapsulates beauty, cultural significance, and a remarkable journey. “The Peony Fairy,” a breathtaking portrait by renowned artist Elena Kambina, presents a mesmerizing portrayal of Peng Liyuan, the esteemed First Lady of China. This charity auction lot offers you the opportunity to own a truly unique piece of art that intertwines history, artistry, and diplomacy.

Elena Kambina’s personal connection to China is what gives this portrait its profound depth. Having resided in China for over a decade, immersing herself in its vibrant culture and studying its rich artistic heritage, Kambina was deeply moved when she first encountered the original portrait that inspired her masterpiece. A young girl, adorned with a serene smile and framed by ethereal landscapes of China’s sacred mountains, captured Kambina’s imagination and beckoned her to bring her own interpretation to life.

Emulating the artistic spirit of the great Pablo Picasso, who explored countless variations of Velázquez’s “La Menin,” Kambina embarked on a creative journey to reimagine the enigmatic young girl from the original portrait. Unbeknownst to her at the time, this young girl would later become Peng Liyuan, the influential First Lady of China. A convergence of art and destiny, “The Peony Fairy” represents Kambina’s artistic vision intertwined with the rise of a remarkable figure in global politics.

“The Peony Fairy” stands as a testament to Kambina’s mastery of the craft. With meticulous strokes of oil on art canvas, she expertly captures Peng Liyuan’s grace, poise, and charisma. The portrait, measuring 35.4″ x 47.2″ (90×120 cm), emanates an aura of elegance, commanding attention with its striking composition and vibrant colors. Each detail, from the intricate folds of fabric to the nuanced expression on the subject’s face, is brought to life with the artist’s masterful touch.

However, “The Peony Fairy” is not just a masterpiece; it is a witness to an extraordinary journey. The portrait has traversed continents, sailing across the Indian Ocean, crossing the Atlantic, and navigating the seas of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Its odyssey continued through Ukraine, from the coastal beauty of Odessa to the vibrant capital of Kiev. It then made its way to Poland, gracing the cultural heart of Warsaw, before finally finding solace in the art-loving cities of Germany, including Berlin and Düsseldorf. This portrait embodies the spirit of the Silk Road, symbolizing the connection between China and Europe, and reflecting the power of art to transcend borders.

As you consider participating in this charity auction, remember that your bid not only grants you the privilege of owning an exquisite piece of art but also contributes to a worthy cause.

“The Peony Fairy” by Elena Kambina is more than just a portrait; it is a testament to the intertwining of art, history, and destiny. It encapsulates the journey of a young girl who grew up to become the First Lady of China, while simultaneously capturing the spirit of the Silk Road and transcending cultural boundaries. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to own a remarkable work of art and make a positive impact on the world. Place your bid and let the Peony Fairy grace your life with its timeless beauty and profound symbolism.

About the Author:

Elena Kambina

Painter, graphic artist, curator, and organizer of exhibitions.

Born in Uzbekistan.
In 1993 she graduated from the Tashkent State Pedagogical University named after Nizami, art and graphic faculty.
Since 2002, a member of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan.
Member of the Association of Franco–Chinese Artists.
From 2008 to 2018 she lived and worked in Beijing.
Since 2018 lived in Kyiv. Ukraine.

Exhibitions:

2023 – Exhibition at SAP. Walldorf, Germany.
2021 – Nord Art. A special project from Central Asia “Identity.” Budelsdorf, Germany.
2021 – “Dialogue with time.” Bonum Factum Gallery. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
2020 – Author’s project “Creating play spaces for children.” Amosov Institute in Kyiv, Ukraine.
2019 –2020 – “Born of the Earth.” Sholom Aleichem Museum. Kyiv, Ukraine.
2019 – “The planet is one – the Earth. Ukraine – Moldova.” Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Kyiv, Ukraine.
2019 – “Lady from the Middle Kingdom.” Center for Contemporary Art SOVIART. Kyiv, Ukraine.
2017 – Exhibition of paintings in the Birch Gallery. Panzin, China.
2017 – International curatorial project: an exhibition of painting and sculpture in the private museum Ural. Beijing, China.
2016 – “Conversation.” Exhibition of painting and graphics. Art cafe Red brick. Beijing, China.
2015 – The 20th Guangzhou International Art Fair. Guangzhou, China.
2014 – Curator’s project “Journey of the avant–garde. Beijing Station. Beijing, China.
2013 – “Art Capital.” Paris, France
2013 – “ART Beijing 2013.” Beijing, China.
2012 – China Art Industry Expo 2012. Beijing, China.
2010 – International exhibition “Signs of the times: moment and eternity.” Archaeological site Ming Uruk. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
2009 – “Circles on the water.” Center for Contemporary Art SOVIART. Kyiv, Ukraine.
2008 – 2010 – International exhibition “Signs of the times: Moment and Eternity.” Archaeological site Ming Uruk. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
2007 – Thessaloniki biennale. 1 of Contemporary Art. “Of other Spaces. Heterotopias.” Thessaloniki, Greece.
2007 – 52nd Venice Biennale. Central Asian pavilion. Venice, Italy.
2007 – The 69th exhibition of the Mookwohoe Fine Artist Association. Seoul, Korea.
2005 – III Tashkent Biennale 2005. Central Exhibition Hall. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
2004 – International Video Art Festival VIDEIDENTITY: Sacred Places of Central Asia. Almaty, Kazakhstan.
2004 – Exhibition 38 Parallel – Horizon, dedicated to the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
2004 – Retrospective exhibition. Theater Ilkhom. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
2003 – II Tashkent Biennale 2003. Central Exhibition Hall. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
1998 – 1999 – In the Central House of Artists on Krymsky Val. Moscow, Russia.
1997 – “Unit of measurement.” Master Gallery. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
1994 – “Masters of Images.” Gallery in Cork Street. London, Great Britain.

Also, many works of Elena Kambina are in private collections and in museums in several countries: Great Britain, Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, China, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.