Shenghan Gao
Shenghan Gao’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. Growing up, he was known as the “STEM kid,” excelling in robotics, programming, and engineering competitions. While these pursuits provided structure and immediate feedback—something that resonated deeply with his suspected ADHD and autism—he never felt a true sense of passion. It wasn’t until later in his life, well into his twenties, that he stumbled upon art as a means of personal expression, unlocking a level of fulfillment he had never experienced before.
His work is deeply introspective, often serving as a means to process emotions and personal struggles. One of his ongoing projects, a self-portrait series, emerged from a period of depression. Capturing his unfiltered, unpolished self through a selfie, he manipulated the image in Figma, layering and distorting it into an abstract mosaic of exhaustion and resilience. The process transformed his negative emotions into something raw yet beautiful, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic journey—art became not just an outlet, but a means of self-healing.
Similarly, his piece on "the demon of my messiness" was born out of frustration with his constantly cluttered room. By turning a chaotic pile of clothes into a distorted, monstrous face through Photoshop, he externalized his struggle in a visually compelling way. The surprising outcome? The next day, he found himself cleaning instinctively, as if wrestling with the demon through art had made the task less overwhelming. This ability to confront and process his inner world through digital manipulation has become a defining element of his creative practice.
Beyond personal exploration, Shenghan has also experimented with playful, outward-facing projects, such as designing unconventional decorations for a Lunar New Year party. Departing from traditional calligraphy and red paper, he created bold, neon-infused visuals that playfully referenced Western perceptions of Chinese culture. The project was both celebratory and subtly critical, reclaiming elements of stereotypical “Eastern” aesthetics in a way that felt personal rather than imposed. Seeing his friends’ reactions reaffirmed his desire to engage more with an audience—connection through art is something that deeply motivates him.
While his work currently remains within a smaller, more intimate circle of artist friends, he is actively seeking public-facing opportunities to grow. Shenghan is at a crossroads, balancing his career in UI/UX design while working towards becoming a full-time artist. His experience in design has given him valuable tools, but art provides something more profound: a sense of peace, genuine happiness, and personal truth. He hopes to expand his reach, showcase his work in galleries, and engage in collaborative projects that push his artistic practice forward.
At its core, Shenghan’s journey is about embracing change and rejecting the idea that it’s ever “too late” to follow a new path. His transition from STEM to art is both exhilarating and daunting, but it serves as a reminder that fulfillment comes from honoring one’s passions—even if the road to finding them is unconventional. His story is one of courage, introspection, and the transformative power of creativity, and he looks forward to seeing where this new chapter leads him.
