Qiaosi (Josh) Chen
Breaking boundaries is at the heart of my art. I use object metaphors to give new value and meaning to everyday elements, reshaping their original functions and perceptions. This process allows me to explore the non-binary nature of things, revealing unexpected connections between the natural and human worlds. Influenced by my background in engineering and design media, I weave mythology, folklore, and pop culture into vibrant, dream-like creations. Through these works, I strive to transcend limits and inspire a vision of a world full of vitality, where diverse contexts and materials intertwine seamlessly.
Chen (b. September 1999), based in New York City, specializes in art practice. After relocating from China two years ago, he earned a Master of Science in Integrated Design & Media from New York University, transitioning from a background in engineering. Chen's work integrates installations, videos, and photography, creating a dynamic canvas.
At the heart of my art lies a fascination with breaking boundaries and reimagining the possibilities of the world. I am drawn to the tension between control and release, stability and disruption—an interplay that reflects both personal experiences and universal struggles. Through object metaphors, I transform everyday elements into vessels of new meaning, challenging their original functions and perceptions. This process allows me to explore the non-binary nature of existence, revealing unexpected connections between the human body, nature, and cultural narratives.
My work is profoundly influenced by the interplay of mythology, folklore, and pop culture. These elements serve as both mirrors and playgrounds, offering visual languages, symbols, and rhythms that I reinterpret within my art. This fusion results in creations that are simultaneously grounded in the present yet untethered from it, blending modern iconography with surreal, dream-like experiences.
My background in engineering and design media has deeply shaped my approach, allowing me to merge structure with emotion and precision with intuition. These perspectives remind me that breaking boundaries—whether physical, emotional, or conceptual—can open gateways to a more liberated self.
I work with diverse materials and contexts, creating immersive works that seamlessly blend natural and artificial elements. Through these creations, I aim to present a vision of vitality, where diverse perspectives and ideas intertwine harmoniously. Ultimately, my art is an invitation to reflect on the fluidity of identity, desire, and connection. It seeks to transcend limits, unravel binaries, and inspire audiences to embrace their own transformative journeys.