WANG Aishanni: Artist at Heart, Proficient in Five Languages

WANG Aishanni is a 2025 graduate of PKXYS's Hong Kong Curriculum. Growing up between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, she is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, and English, and has also studied Japanese. A passionate art enthusiast, WANG regularly submits her work to competitions. Her pieces stand out for their keen observation and bold, innovative style—earning her international recognition and acclaim. "I hope my art can draw attention to social issues," she says, "and help bring people together in a more understanding and inclusive world."

● Gold Award, H.C. Andersen Art Awards 2022

● International Peace Dove Award, Peace Art International Children's Art Competition 2023

● Second Prize, Golden Bauhinia Cup Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth National Day Celebration Painting Competition

● Third Prize, China-France International Children's Art Competition 2023

● Silver Award, Da Vinci International Children's Art Festival 2024

Art as a Mirror: Discovering the Self

WANG Aishanni's artistic journey began at the age of five, when her mother enrolled her in a "Picasso Class." Though she couldn't yet articulate what "beauty" meant, she was instantly captivated by the freedom of expression she felt while drawing with oil pastels. Over the years, she explored various hobbies—but only painting remained constant.

"Around the age of seven, I discovered Japanese anime," she recalls. "That's when I began studying art more systematically and started to see it as something I wanted to pursue seriously. I used to look at those characters and think, 'I wish I could draw like that.'" From mastering the basics of hatching and perspective, to composition, colour theory, and human anatomy, she laid a stronger foundation. "By around 13, I could finally produce a complete, well-proportioned piece."

Through WANG's eyes and her brush, the world transforms. Her art encourages kindness in the face of school bullying, breathes new life into traditional culture, and brings attention to pressing issues like ocean pollution. Her distinctive and expressive style often carries deeper reflections on society and a strong sense of empathy, prompting viewers to reflect while appreciating the beauty in her work.

"Drawing is a process of discovering who you are. It reflects the creator's personality and values," says WANG. "My art documents my thoughts, and traces my growth. I still keep some of my early pieces—it's interesting to see how both my techniques and thinking have changed. I used to just want things to look nice, but now I focus more on creating complete and meaningful work."

As a vital medium of human civilisation, visual art has long captured the cultural essence of its time while expressing people's understanding of the world and hopes for the future. WANG Aishanni adds, "One day, I hope my work will become a lasting piece of art, something that moves people and inspires action."

Art as a Bridge: Connecting the World

As a child of Indian-Chinese parentage, WANG Aishanni grew up in a multicultural and inclusive environment. After completing primary education at a foreign language school in the Mainland of China, she moved to Hong Kong for her secondary education. In 2021, she transferred to PKXYS to pursue a richer learning experience.

At PKXYS, WANG found not only rigorous academic training but also a vibrant platform for artistic growth. The school's wide range of extracurricular activities gave her room to flourish—enhancing her skills in graphic design and multi-colour block printing while actively contributing to cultural events by designing posters and festive packaging, such as red packet covers for Chinese New Year. Her artwork "Marking the Party's Founding and Hong Kong's Return" expressed the vision of closer ties between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The piece was presented to the Hong Kong Police Force at a commemorative ceremony, marking the school's official partnership as the first mainland club of the Hong Kong Junior Police Call—an emblem of deepening cross-border exchange.

Immersed in a multicultural environment, WANG developed a passion for languages. She speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, English, and Hindi fluently and has also studied Japanese. For the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) exam, she chose Visual Arts, Economics, and Japanese as her elective subjects.

"Every country or region has its own unique cultural identity. I've drawn many national flags on my bedroom wall—I think they're all beautiful," she says. "Art across different periods and movements reflects the social context and ideas of the time. Everyone is free to have personal preferences, but we should also respect different ways of expression—that's what freedom is about."

In 2023, WANG created "Around the World in 80 Days", a richly detailed piece inspired by the Jules Verne novel. It features a gentleman in a red coat journeying across continents by steamship, train, and colourful hot-air balloon—floating past the Arc de Triomphe, Big Ben, Egyptian Sun God, Mount Fuji, and soaring eagles over the Americas. With intricate composition and a harmonious colour palette, the piece vividly captures the collision and exchange of global civilisations.

Out of more than 20,000 entries worldwide, WANG's work earned the International Peace Dove Award at the Peace Art International Children's Art Competition 2023—an honour granted to only 100 entrants globally. Her work was also included in the Peace Art international peace and cultural exchange fine art Children's Masterpieces Collection of the UNESCO Center for Peace, and adapted into cultural merchandise, spreading a message of peace and friendship around the world.

Art as a Whetstone: Honing Character

The process of creating art is often long and challenging—sometimes taking a day, a week, or even years to complete. "To keep going, I think positive feedback really matters," says WANG. "When I'm drawing, I can completely lose myself in it. After finishing a piece, I'll share it with my teachers, family, or friends, or enter it into competitions. The recognition I receive gives me a great sense of accomplishment and motivates me to keep pursuing the path of creativity."

Of course, criticism is an essential part of every artist's journey. There have been moments of doubt—times when a work didn't turn out as she hoped, or when a piece she liked wasn't well received by others. Her art teachers offered clear, constructive feedback, helping her learn how to face criticism with openness. Over time, she came to embrace the idea of harmony in diversity—learning to listen, reflect, and grow. "Not everyone will like your work," she reflects. "And if you can't accept that, it's difficult to keep going and treat art as a lifelong pursuit."

"To become a true artist and create meaningful work takes constant practice and persistence," WANG explains. "For the HKDSE Visual Arts exam, we're required to complete an A2-size piece in just 3 hours and 15 minutes—it's a real challenge. Since January, I've been completing a full-timed piece every day, striving to make each stroke precise and expressive." She adds, "To score well, a drawing must be more than a task completion—it must stand out in composition, colour, and concept. So I practise until my hand and mind can respond instinctively, no matter what the topic is. It's just like preparing for any other exam—the more you practise, the better you get."

Quoting Vincent van Gogh, WANG captures her mindset in artistic creation: "I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart." Her work carries a deeply recognisable personal style, reflecting the wholehearted devotion she pours into each piece.

Looking ahead, she says with excitement: "I'd love to try being a concept artist for animation. I'd also like to become an art teacher. But most of all, I hope to use what I've learned to contribute to society."

Closing Remarks

As she graduates, WANG Aishanni shared her story to encourage fellow students: "I came down with a cold and fever during the exam, but I wasn't worried about how it would affect my performance. I knew I'd already poured everything I'd learnt into the exam. Your mindset during exams is what matters most. One exam won't define your whole life, so always believe in yourself!"

In this harbour where East meets West,

our love for art sets sail.

Each attempt, a bold new quest;

each stroke, a heartfelt trail.

Lines and colours speak our dreams,

Profound aspiration for art,

transcending time and change.

Embracing cultures near and far,
art connects—with voice unchained.

A bridge of spirit, strong and wide,
where hearts meet, creating resonance.

Script writer: Communications Department