Fashion Surrealism Finds a Home in Khanom

Khanom is literally a cultural and artistic melting pot of talent. One of those talents is Chandra Li, whose art style can be described ‘fashion surrealism’.

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Chandra with one of her artworks

Putting Down Roots

Chandra is a local expat who hails from Kaliningrad, Russia, a city that once bore the name Königsberg and belonged to East Prussia—a cold and far cry from the warm and balmy Khanom she and partner, Angy, now call home.

Where It All Began

Says Chandra, “my artistic identity truly blossomed in Moscow, where I immersed myself in its vibrant cultural scene. This duality of backgrounds has shaped my worldview and artistic expression, infusing my work with themes of resilience and deep self-reflection. Moscow, with its rich history and complexity, has inspired me to explore the intersection of beauty and social issues in my art.”

The artist concedes that her influences are quite diverse and range from “classical surrealists, whose dreamlike interpretations inspire my symbolism, to the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard, which encourages me to delve into emotional depth and complexity. The world of fashion, from historical costumes to avant-garde shows, also plays a significant role in my creative process. These elements, both past and present, allow me to create unique connections between beauty and philosophy.”

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Fashion Surrealism Finds a Place

With digital art being her favourite medium, Chandra says she enjoy merging fashion, surrealism and technology to create endless possibilities for her passion. Using digital tools at her disposal she is able to create intricate character designs and even virtual worlds filled with multimedia elements. She says this particular form of graphic art allowing her to explore emotions and to convey multi-layered meaning through pixels, light and symbolism.

When asked what inspires her, Chandra replies: “My inspiration is fueled by love, beauty, and the human experience. Much of my work is autobiographical, celebrating love, particularly for women, through my happy partnership. I tell my story freely, expressing the depth of emotion and connection in relationships. This theme of love is at the core of my creative work, transforming personal experiences into universal narratives.”

Her favourite time to create art is early mornings or late evenings, when the world feels quiet and her imagination is awakened and she says that in these hours she can fully immerse herself in the creative process, connecting with the themes and ideas she’s exploring, finding a unique solitude within her art.

Art and Society

Khanom Scribe asked this intriguing artist to share her thoughts about in what way art is important to society. “Art serves as a bridge to empathy; it helps us see society more deeply and feel its diversity. It connects us with emotions, encourages reflection, and challenges norms. For me, art becomes both a protest and a dialogue—a way to express what touches or even hurts us. It preserves our humanity, allowing us to see beauty and complexity where we might otherwise overlook it.”

Motivation

To a large extent her motivation stems from an innate desire to express beauty, resilience and love and also to highlight the world’s imperfections. Her work often touches on the themes of freedom, identity and LGBT acceptance. “My protest against social and political restrictions is embodied in my art, where I strive to safely engage with the world’s issues through visual dialogue,” she says.

Life in Khanom

When asked about her life in Khanom, she was quick to tell us about her love for the village, saying that the village offers a unique blend of nature and cultural ‘vibrancy’.

“Here, I feel connected to the earth while also being part of an active and warm community.” She further shares: “My partner, Angy, and I created a video installation called "Flying to Infinity" for the Khanom Infinity Festival in 2023. I also took part in a fashion show for the Red Cross and led digital painting workshops in VR for both schoolchildren and university students. Khanom is a place where my creativity thrives, where I can blend inner tranquility with an active cultural life.”

Time To Slow Down

Her advice to people wanting to visit or live in Khanom: “For those planning a trip to Khanom, I’d suggest slowing down and embracing the atmosphere. It’s a place where you can find beauty in simplicity, disconnect from the everyday rush, and soak up the serene energy of this land. And, of course, make sure to see the pink dolphins—a rare and unforgettable sight that fills the soul with awe and joy.”

All credit goes to Chandra Li, 2024

Website: https://www.chandrali.art/

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