Page 30 - Winter Issue

Chengyu Yao

Chengyu Yao was born in Zhejiang, China in 2002, and is currently studying at Goldsmiths in London
for her undergraduate degree in Fine Art. Chengyu Yao's work focuses on marginalized groups and
mysticism, using her own experiences as a starting point to connect with all kinds of forgotten people,
events, and objects, Chengyu Yao explores and expresses the voices and stories that have been
neglected or forgotten by the society through her art practice. With her unique visual language and
profound ideological connotation, she reflects her concern for the marginalized groups in society and
her exploration of mysticism.

Misery Actuary Misery Actuary
Charcoal pencil, digital painting on fabric, Charcoal pencil, digital painting on fabric,
114x200cm, 2022 123x200cm, 2022

Pain is because our blood, tightly bound yours with mine, does flood. These two artworks from the series are dedicated to honoring the innocent
lives lost in the artist’s hometown during the Zero-COVID policy from 2019 to 2021, offering a gesture of solace to their souls.

‘’In my field of artistic exploration, traumatic experiences and paranormal experiences are the basis for my
creation of alternative worlds. My creative practice encompasses cross-media applications including
installation, video, and painting. I invite the viewer to plunge into a new world that is full of contradictions
and provocations. Through my work, I aim to construct a space full of opposing elements where trauma and
the paranormal intersect, challenging the viewer's understanding of reality and perception. My artistic
practice is not only an expression of personal experiences but also an exploration of the deeper layers of
human emotions and psychology.’’

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