From traditional Chinese painting to tattoos and dancing, Magna’s Millennialshave the ability to use imagination and intelligence in original ways. Littlewonder that sociologists are calling this “Generation Create.”
Here are a few examples from our talented group:
Earning Art Honors
Magna artists in India showcased theirpandemic-related creativity on Yammer in a2020 Magna Electronics contest thatincluded singers, dancers and painters.Aniket Kolekar’s portrait of a child reachingto open a door earned the most “likes” in thedrawing category.
“I was trying to show that no one waspermitted to leave home, so we were all likethat small child who is trying to go outside,”Kolekar explained. “I tried to show theemotions we were all feeling.”
Children are often the subject of his work inwatercolors and oil paint. His portrait of astreet child selling Indian flags illustrates notjust how she survives, but her happiness atfinding a customer. He said his best work is aportrait of his 5-year-old niece, Durva.
“I captured her emotions on my mobilephone and then got my brushes and paint,”Kolekar said, blending technology and old-school techniques.
Anna Cao started dancing a year ago andcan’t stop.
“I go to the Bodysoul dance studio inShanghai and dance for two hours everyday,” said Cao. “When I dance, it’s reallyrelaxing and a good way to relieve stress.”
Jazz and hip hop are her favorites. She lovesto dance to the music of BLACKPINK, a SouthKorea girl group known for fun, explosivesongs that meld pop, electronica and hiphop music. Britney Spears’ Oops!... I Did itAgain is guaranteed to get her moving, too.
“I’m going to keep dancing,” Cao said. “In acouple of years, I’d like to become a teacherin my spare time.”
TikTok andTraditional Art
The walls of Zhao Le Huang’s room are filledwith her stunning renderings of Chineselandscapes and historical paintings ofBuddha and Confucius.
She’s honed her technique by taking onlinecourses and watching TikTok videos. Herbest pieces are shared on WeChat.
“Whenever there is a challenge in life, I sitdown and paint,” Huang said. “I find peace inmy heart.”
Body Art
Mitchell Bauman’s 15 tattoos referenceliterature, music and important moments inhis life. They include the Disney characterStitch playing the ukulele and a Dementorfrom the Harry Potter books.
“I have four Harry Potter tattoos,” Baumansaid. “I grew up on Harry Potter. It was a partof my childhood.”
Some of the tattoos are black and white;others are in color. But they all representBauman’s appreciation of art.
“Tattoos are a form of artistic expression,” hesaid. “I have art on me.”