The death toll in the war-torn Gaza Strip has risen to 72,070 since the conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted on Oct 7, 2023, with injuries reaching 171,738, Gaza's health authorities said on Saturday.
The authorities reported that one body and 10 wounded people were brought to hospitals in Gaza during the past 48 hours.
Since a ceasefire in Gaza came into effect last October, 612 Palestinians have been killed and 1,640 others wounded, according to the authorities.
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 72,070
Olga Sumarokova, a Moscow-based Russian artist, has been devoted to traditional Chinese painting for 15 years, serving as a cultural bridge between China and Russia.
Sumarokova has been deeply fascinated by Chinese painting, particularly the xieyi, or freehand style, which is marked by loose brushstrokes and light colors to convey poetry.
She said what she loves about Chinese painting is the philosophy it embodies, as well as the artistic conception that cannot be fully expressed in words.
Before studying traditional Chinese painting, Sumarokova worked as a designer. She began learning bird-and-flower painting and gongbi painting, a realistic and elaborate-style Chinese painting technique under Russian Chinese-painting artist Yulia Naumova. During her studies, Sumarokova traveled to China almost every year for further training.
At her studio in Moscow, Sumarokova also teaches freehand style Chinese painting. She said that the freehand style of Chinese painting requires long-term observation and moments of inspiration, but without an understanding of Chinese culture, the art would be groundless, like water without a source and a tree without roots.
Sumarokova said she will continue learning from Chinese masters and refining her skills. She said even when her hands tremble one day, she will not give up the art. She plans to keep running her studio, taking part in exhibitions and exchanging with artists from different parts of China.
"I truly admire China's development. China 14 years ago was totally different from it is today. And in terms of the people, the changes in the Chinese people are also remarkable. I'm sure that Chinese people are especially good at expressing their artistic charm," she said.
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, Sumarokova created an ink-wash painting of galloping horses in freehand style. Falling on Tuesday this year, the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is China's most important festival marked by family reunions, festive foods and New Year wishes. Chinese New Year's Day in 2026 marked the start of the Year of the Horse -- the seventh of the 12 zodiac animals in the Chinese zodiac.
Sumarokova said in Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes speed and achievement. She hopes this year will be filled with good ideas, achievements and exciting moments -- a blessing to her Chinese friends, and to herself.
Russian artist bridges cultures with Chinese ink painting
