The Memory

Cecilia Aisin-Gioro, also known as Hengqin Aixinjueluo, boasts an illustrious lineage as a direct descendant of the Qing Dynasty's royal family in China. Cecilia Aisin-Gioro belongs to the esteemed Heng generation within the Aisin-Gioro family tree and carries the distinguished title of being the grandniece of the last Chinese Emperor, Pu Yi.

Cecilia's artistic journey commenced at the tender age of five, initiating a lifelong dedication to the world of painting. Her unique heritage as a member of the royal lineage granted her exclusive access to the revered court traditions of meticulous and watercolour painting.

However, her artistic pursuits unfolded against the tumultuous backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, a period marked by profound personal tragedy as Cecilia tragically lost both her parents. Her formative years were spent in the company of her grandmother in a picturesque village nestled amidst the Changbai Mountains in northeast China. Following this chapter of her life, she came under the care of her aunt in Changchun, eventually returning with her family to the bustling city of Beijing.

Cecilia's academic journey is equally impressive, boasting a Bachelor's degree in heritage and museums, a Master's degree in specialized history from Jilin University, and an MBA from Tsinghua University in China. Her professional experiences include notable stints at the Shenyang Palace Museum and the Shanghai Museum. It was during her tenure at the Shanghai Museum that a special invitation came her way, inviting her to become the personal assistant to the renowned international Chinese artist Yifei Chen. Under his expert guidance, she ventured into the realm of oil painting, embarking on a transformative artistic journey.

Surprisingly, Cecilia had never envisioned herself as a professional artist prior to immigrating to Canada. In China, she had skillfully managed several family businesses, showcasing her entrepreneurial prowess. Nonetheless, her passion for painting remained an ever-present force in her life, and whenever the opportunity allowed, she would seize her brush to practice and study.

The wisdom imparted by her grandmother remains etched in Cecilia's heart: "Paintings can communicate what words cannot express. When you feel vulnerable, painting can infuse you with strength. When you are adrift, it can remind you of your true self."

Over time, Cecilia gained profound insights into why her grandmother had persistently encouraged her to embrace the art of painting, even during the most challenging phases of their lives.

Cecilia Aisin-Gioro occupies a unique and pioneering role within the Aisin-Gioro family as the first and only oil painter. Her recent works are characterized by vibrant colours and intricate layers as she endeavours to forge her own artistic path while departing from the influence of her renowned mentors. The initial visual impact of her majestic paintings exudes brightness and cheerfulness, but beneath the surface lies a potent undercurrent of profound sadness, invoking a sense of astonishment; her art also encapsulates the apprehension surrounding the erosion of the core identity of ancient culture and more. Cecilia masterfully extracts the brilliance of her cultural heritage and elevates it into something even more exquisite, thereby capturing the essence of a robust cultural and historical context.

Cecilia's art transcends boundaries, appealing to a global audience, and her works have found homes in the collections of private collectors and galleries across the United States, France, Iran, the Philippines, and Japan, as well as museums in England, Canada, and China. Her art continues to captivate and inspire, offering a unique synthesis of tradition and innovation that resonates with people worldwide.