Hong Kong student unlocks opportunity with ‘Naked Heart’

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Claire’s eventual inspiration for the piece came from her tutoring sessions; she had been helping youngsters in less affluent parts of Hong Kong learn phonics for about a year, an activity she said “brings her joy”.

“We’re just so focused on competition ... then we lose sight of everyone around us. I feel like helping people is a true way to find happiness,” she said.

However, Claire found herself struggling to connect with a student who she later realised had a learning disability.

“[It was] sort of frustrating,” she admitted. “I felt that I wasn’t a good enough teacher [and] was quite dejected.”

When she finally had a breakthrough with the student, it felt like she had helped them “unlock this sort of learning hindrance”. It sparked the idea of unlocking opportunities for those with special needs.

After brainstorming with her mother, she drew inspiration for her exam project from the Naked Heart Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that aims to create a more inclusive society for young people with disabilities. After deliberating ideas and discussing the piece with her teacher, Claire settled on painting Natalia Vodianova, who founded the NGO in 2004.

Claire’s admiration of Vodianova, a 42-year-old Russian model and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, dates back many years; when she was young, she stumbled across a photo of Vodianova in one of her mother’s magazines and read more about her.

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“My mum is a big fan of Vodianova and follows her on Instagram,” Claire said. “She learned that behind her pretty face lies a doting mother with a big heart for children less fortunate than her own.”

After brainstorming and planning, Claire only had eight hours to paint the piece on the exam day in January. What emerged was a portrait appropriately titled Naked Heart, which used earth tones to depict Vodianova, who bore angel wings.

“Natalia is not just a pretty face to paint or an iconic supermodel. To me, she is an angel with a big, naked heart that she shares with those who need it.”

Shortly after completing the painting, Claire discovered that Vodianova would be in Hong Kong in late March to co-host The Children Ball alongside local entrepreneur Adrian Cheng; the event aimed to raise money to support children’s mental health worldwide.

Claire’s father was lucky enough to be invited to the ball, so Claire was able to meet Vodianova and gift her the painting.

“It was a surreal experience,” she said. “[Vodianova] said she appreciated it ... I guess that moment made a few minutes in her life a little bit happier.”

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“I didn’t donate this piece and help millions of children and feed the hungry, [but] I find that raising awareness is also a way to help other people.”

Lee knew the opportunity was a privilege for her. From being able to use different brushes, canvases, and art materials to getting an informal invitation to the charity ball, she recognised how lucky she was to pursue art as a hobby.

“I’m just really grateful that I was able [to do this] because not all families have these connections,” she said. “I think this is just a privilege that I’ve been granted. That’s why I want to use this [opportunity] to help others ... I find that’s more important.”