ARTIST STATEMENT: 

My artwork explores my Chinese diasporic identity by blending functional and sculptural works with Kawaii and Shojo (girlhood) culture. This ongoing series reflects my research on female empowerment within cute culture, interweaving spirituality and elements from my Chinese heritage. Infused with nostalgic feminist aesthetics from Kawaii and Shojo culture, my work channels self-awareness, freedom of expression, and female empowerment. By intertwining historical and contemporary themes, it defies categorization while blending craft, design, and fine art. The intentional subversion of traditional boundaries contributes to my sense of artistic freedom and the celebration of identity. 

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY:

Mao (Kun) Chen, co-founder of Mao Projects, is a multidisciplinary artist working primarily in ceramics and painting. Her artistic explorations delve deep into socio-cultural identities and female representation through the lens of the Kawaii culture to challenge conventional norms and stereotypes. Merging influences from Eastern and Western art histories, Mao transcends art boundaries and examines her diasporic identity in Canada by blending Kawaii elements with personal symbolism. Holding an MFA from the University of Calgary and a BFA from the University of Alberta, Mao’s impactful work has been shown in galleries in Canada, the US, China, and the UK. 

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