Meet Chen Gao

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chen Gao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chen below.

Chen, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room has made me more aware of the importance of creating a space where I feel empowered and comfortable. I’ve set up my living room as my studio, using two big foldable tables that are cheap and easy to move, a comfy chair, and some space for hanging installation creation. It’s a place where I can work, eat, and fully immerse myself in my art. This setup allows me to invest my time and energy productively, whether I’m working alone or engaging with others.

Balancing time between being in a group and working solo is important to me. Conversation and collaboration engage me when I’m with others, while working alone gives me the space to reflect and create. My studio is simply a place where I can bring these two sides together.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hello folks, this is Chen Gao. I am an interdisciplinary artist, designer, and educator based in Hartsville, SC. My work spans experimental graphic design, photography, installation, and performance, with a focus on using local materials to explore connections between myself and the environment. I’m currently an Assistant Professor of Art at Coker University, and I’ve previously taught graphic design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My work is not just about creating objects but about discovering a sense of belonging and connecting personal expression to broader human experiences.

I’m currently preparing for a solo show at the CICA Museum in South Korea and continuing to push the boundaries of art and design. I aim to create evolving conversations that invite others to join in and engage with these ideas.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

In my opinion, curiosity, adaptability, and openness to different materials and mediums are important.

Curiosity has driven me to explore new techniques and approaches without hesitation. For anyone early in their journey, staying curious and questioning the norm is crucial — it often leads to unexpected discoveries.

Adaptability has allowed me to navigate shifts in both my art and teaching. Embracing change and responding to new challenges is key. My advice is to remain flexible and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Finally, being open to using different materials and mediums has shaped my work. Exploring a variety of tools and resources expands creative possibilities. I encourage emerging artists and designers to experiment with what’s available and let the materials guide their process.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking forward to collaborating with people from the arts and outside the arts, especially those in environmental studies, physical and mental health, sustainability, and communication. I’ve previously worked with architects, dancers, musicians, and interdisciplinary artists, and I enjoy working with those using different mediums. I’m also seeking collaborations with organizations to create site-specific works and explore performative performances. Interdisciplinary collaborations often spark new ideas and result in meaningful projects.

If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me through my website or social media. I love connecting with people who are eager to explore new ideas and create exciting work together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Personal Photo Image Credit: Apollinariia Ilina
Additional Photo (the one is green with outdoor white thread installation and me in the picture): Tiffany Xu

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