Similar to my previous works, this accumulation of patterns transforms into a captivating and spiritual system that elicits admiration, while simultaneously carrying an oppressive and hierarchical weight. This juxtaposition of oppression, hierarchy, restriction, beauty, and spirituality embodies my ambivalent emotions about existing within society. The weight of familial expectations, the negative influence of politics, the complexities of being a Chinese artist living in America, grappling with conflicting cultural and historical influences, and etc. These factors contribute to my feeling of being ensnared within society's confines. The metaphorical veil in my painting is undeniably real and burdensome, yet it also possesses a mesmerizing allure. Although the weight of living within society is predominantly heavy, there are still moments of joy and sweetness. I hold a deep love for nature, often finding solace in gazing at the sky and contemplating the universe, imagining the stars and galaxies above and envisioning their existence within myself and every individual. Throughout the past year of my artistic journey, my pursuit has centered around maintaining an optimistic outlook and discovering moments of relaxation and pure delight within the constraints of a captivating yet oppressive and hierarchical system. I have sought to incorporate cute and sweet elements into my paintings, balancing the weighty and serious structure. In this particular artwork, I portray a warm embrace and a vivid, cosmic, and vibrant figure. As I painted this figure, I could sense the the gradual transition from the nocturnal stillness to the dawning light, the rhythm of stars, clouds, galaxies, and even the passage of time. It is embracing another figure trapped within the structure, transferring energy through a simple, endearing, sweet and everyday gesture.

Weiyang Gao

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I am a Chinese artist who currently works in New York. I received my BFA in 2018 from Boston University and my MFA in painting and drawing in 2021 from School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My paintings blur the categories of figuration and abstraction. Within them, I utilize themes of pattern, space, and light in relation to the human body to discuss and critique the constructions of systems of belief. Being an artist with a multi-cultural background, I have insight into the many ways people have used and abused culture and history to create barriers and divisions within the broader spectrum of humanity. Within my paintings, I addresse the feelings of being oppressed by those barriers and divisions while looking for places that could transcend both culture and history. I have shown at the Sloan House in Boston, Guayaba Gallery in Union City, Visionary Project in New York, Research House of Asian Art and FLXST Contemporary Art Gallery in Chicago, etc.