ALESIA ISSA: “I PAINT FROM LIFE, BUT WHAT EMERGES IS A LANGUAGE OF SYMBOLS, OF FORMS THAT REMEMBER.”

OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and your creative work. What is your creative and life credo and motivation for your creativity?

Alesia Issa: I’m a Belarusian multidisciplinary artist based in China, working across painting, ceramics, performance, and tattooing. My practice explores portraiture and landscape as thresholds into archetype, memory, and transformation.

Drawing on myth, folklore, and Indian philosophy, I create images that move beyond surface, toward silence, presence, and the sacred.

I paint from life, but what emerges is a language of symbols, of forms that remember.

As a soprano in the Litwins Folklore Ensemble, I carry ancestral voice into contemporary expression. I don’t believe in decoration. I believe in return.

OCA: How did you choose your path and who is your role model in the creative field or in life?

AI: I chose my path by following the call of art that has always guided me. I was deeply inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites and Renaissance masters, whose devotion to beauty and symbolism shaped my vision. The works of Odd Nerdrum also influenced me with their timeless depth. Equally important were my wonderful teachers Anton Vyrva, Vitaliy Gerasimov, and Vladimir Maslennikov who nurtured my growth as an artist. My first art teacher, Elizaveta Pastushenko, gave me the foundation of creativity and discipline. Their guidance and example helped me discover and affirm my artistic path.

OCA: What is your main achievement(s) or positive impact on the world in 2024–2025?

AI: My main achievement in 2024–2025 is curating and participating in international exhibitions that connect artists from different cultures, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. Through my art, I bring attention to themes of identity, heritage, and the sacred connection between humanity and nature. I also share Belarusian folklore and traditions globally, creating bridges between East and West. My positive impact lies in inspiring people to see beauty and meaning in diversity, and to value cultural memory as a source of strength and harmony for the future.

OCA: What is the main feature that makes you and your art/work unique?

AI: I think that uniqueness of my art lies in the fusion of Belarusian folklore and cultural memory with contemporary global perspectives. I work across painting, ceramics, photography, and performance, creating archetypal images that reflect both personal and universal stories. My style combines myth, symbolism, and spirituality with modern expression, bridging tradition and innovation. What makes my work distinctive is the ability to transform everyday reality into timeless, poetic images that resonate across cultures and evoke a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves.

OCA: Please tell us about the events or projects of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and projects you have already participated in and how does ECG influence your creativity and success in your work?

AI: I am very grateful to the Eurasian Creative Guild for the residency in Hemel Hempstead, England, in 2018, which brought me many valuable connections and new opportunities. I also had the chance to take part in several exhibitions in the UK thanks to the Guild. These experiences greatly influenced my creative path and professional growth. I sincerely thank the Guild and especially Marat Akhmedjanov for these wonderful opportunities, and I truly hope for further collaboration and future projects together

OCA: How do you think the creative professions have changed and how has the role of art in the development of the world changed in the face of modern realities?

AI: Creative professions have changed dramatically with globalization and digital technologies, making art more accessible and interdisciplinary. Today, artists are not only creators but also communicators, bridging cultures and raising awareness of global challenges. The role of art has shifted from being a reflection of society to an active force shaping values, empathy, and dialogue. In the face of modern realities, art helps people reconnect with their humanity, preserve cultural identity, and imagine more harmonious futures, making creativity one of the key drivers of global development.

OCA: What would you wish for the members of the Guild and other creative people who are just starting their careers?

AI: I would wish members of the Guild and young creatives to stay true to their inner voice and never lose the courage to experiment. The creative path is full of challenges, but each difficulty also brings growth and wisdom. Believe in the value of your vision, nurture curiosity, and build connections with people who inspire you. Art has the power to transform lives and societies, and every small step you take matters. May your journey be filled with authenticity, resilience, and joy in creation.