Jennie Cao

Rhode Island School of Design '27

As an Asian American artist, I explore how identity and cultural values clash to create or prevent belonging. My paintings are part of my journey of reclaiming bodily anatomy, my heritage, and understanding the complexities of my ABC identity. I hope that my paintings can represent the lived experiences and convoluted feelings of other Asian Americans that we’re unable to put into words.

I deeply appreciate the act of making. My work is very detail focused and intimate. To paint a piece, is to spend time conversing with it, understanding its intricacies and your subject in the process. I’m trying to steer my art from negativity to more positive outlooks on the human experience as well. Lately, my partner has been my muse. I want to visualize the beauty within the people surrounding us, to explore their personal history, interests, and voices; not strictly just traumas. 

These selected works are a collection of projects with varying themes over 2 semesters. These works span from experimental homework, personal projects, and thematic paintings. From revisiting trauma to more intimate scenes, these pieces portray my mindset and changing interests over the course of an entire year. 

- SELECTED WORK