10 Questions with Jinming Gao

Jinming Gao, an accomplished Asian visual designer, holds an MFA in Visual Communication from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her artistic journey spans six enriching years, during which she pursued studies in art schools across China, Taiwan, Italy, and the United States. This diverse exposure to a myriad of cultures, perspectives, and creative styles has profoundly shaped her artistic evolution, enabling her to remain at the forefront of contemporary art trends and unearth cultural treasures from around the globe.

Jinming Gao's creative path was influenced by her upbringing. Hailing from a family of professional art educators, she was immersed in the world of art from a young age. Whether assisting her father in organizing design drawings or frequenting art museums, art's subtle influence on her served as a seed that germinated during her adolescence.

What truly captivated her was the boundless realm of design. She saw it not merely as a means of aesthetic expression but as a potent tool capable of making a profound impact on society. Jinming Gao aspires to leverage design as a conduit to convey her unique voice and ideas to the world.

Currently, she thrives as an independent designer, breathing life into brand concepts for a diverse range of brands and artist projects. She also assumes a pivotal role as one of the partners at the esteemed graphic design studio, Forfunballs Studio.

Jinming Gao's Eastern upbringing has imparted a distinctive aesthetic sensibility, while her exposure to Western contemporary art has honed her design acumen. This fusion inspires her to seek a harmonious synthesis of Eastern and Western influences in her work, defining her artistic identity and endowing her with a competitive edge.

In her design endeavors, she often interweaves philosophical concepts and incorporates Eastern elements to convey a modern and globally resonant message. Notably, her project, the publication of "Fan's Bible," delved into the psychological and behavioral motivations underpinning Asian group living subcultures, earning her widespread recognition and accolades. Additionally, her contributions to commercial design, particularly in visualizing the Chinese fruit brand "Sao Diseng," exemplify her prowess. Here, Chinese elements seamlessly merge with minimalist packaging, leading to prestigious awards such as the Muse Creative Award 2023 and the DNA Paris Design Award.

At the heart of her design practice lies the quest to seamlessly fuse Eastern and Western influences within the commercial landscape, all while pushing boundaries to craft work that resonates globally—a journey she embraces as her starting point and ultimate goal.

jillgao.org | @jinerist

ARTIST STATEMENT

As an Asian designer, Jinming Gao frequently grapples with the prevailing state of Chinese culture and its superficial utilization of oriental elements. Despite its rich historical and cultural heritage, contemporary engagement often remains skin-deep, fixating on aesthetics rather than delving into the profound essence and philosophical depth. Moreover, global perceptions of Chinese culture are often riddled with stereotypes, perpetuating a limited understanding.

Escaping this status quo and unraveling the true essence of Chinese culture is an enduring and challenging journey that few have embarked upon. Thus, she aspires to play a pivotal role in this developmental process, contributing to its advancement.

Jinming Gao's design philosophy revolves around the seamless integration of Eastern and Western influences within the commercial realm, all while pushing the boundaries to create work that resonates globally. She envisions her creations as a captivating fusion, where the collision of these two influential forces generates a unique chemistry that captivates viewers.

In a world where design is poised to drive the future, Jinming Gao is deeply committed to drawing inspiration from this ever-evolving industry. With the entire world as her canvas, she is resolute and passionate about making a lasting impact and leaving an indelible mark.

INTERVIEW

Please tell us a bit about yourself. What is your personal background and how does it influence your work?

I am Jinming Gao, an Asian visual designer holding a Master's degree in Visual Communication from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Throughout the past six years, my educational journey has led me to various art institutions across China, Taiwan, Italy, and the United States. This diverse exposure to different cultures, viewpoints, and creative styles has profoundly enriched my artistic development. It has allowed me to stay at the forefront of evolving art trends and uncover cultural treasures from across the globe.
Currently, I work as an independent designer, specializing in the conceptualization and development of brand identities for a variety of brands and artistic projects. My upbringing in the East has profoundly influenced my design sensibilities, which have been further refined by my exposure to Western contemporary art. This fusion of influences has motivated me to pursue a distinctive synthesis of Eastern and Western elements in my work. My objective is to convey ideas through a modern, global perspective rooted in Eastern aesthetics. In doing so, I aim to create designs that resonate with a broad spectrum of audiences, transforming them into effective tools of communication.

What about your studies? What was your path to becoming an artist like?

Over the course of the past six years, my educational journey has taken me to several distinguished art schools across China, Taiwan, Italy, and the United States. During this time, I delved into a diverse array of artistic disciplines, including graphic design, advertising, contemporary art history, stage design, and more. This immersive experience exposed me to a wide spectrum of cultural backgrounds, thought processes, and creative styles. It provided me with a rich wellspring of inspiration and allowed me to stay at the forefront of the most cutting-edge contemporary art trends while uncovering cultural treasures from around the world. This journey, combined with my upbringing in an Eastern context, has significantly shaped my design style.
My upbringing also played a pivotal role in nurturing my passion for creativity. Growing up in a family of professional art educators, art silently wove its influence into my life. From assisting my father in organizing his design sketches to frequent visits to art museums, the seed of creativity sprouted during my formative years. For me, design is more than mere aesthetic expression; it is a potent tool capable of making a substantial impact on society. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to employ design as a means to convey important ideas to the world.
In this creative process, I keenly sense the profound disparities and imbalances between cultural contexts and the intricate interplay of various disciplines. My aspiration is to construct a bridge connecting disparate "points of attraction," allowing ideas to be communicated in a globalized language and ensuring that my work resonates with people, becoming an effective means of "communication." My central objective is to harmoniously blend Eastern and Western influences, transcending boundaries to create works that resonate universally. This pursuit has become both the inception and purpose of my design work.

Your Eastern upbringing and Chinese culture seem to have a strong influence on your work. Can you tell us more about it? And how do you incorporate those concepts into your current work?

Growing up in the East undeniably shaped my design sensibilities, a foundation that was further refined through my exposure to contemporary Western art. As a result, I am dedicated to forging a distinctive synthesis, forging a connection between Eastern and Western influences within my work. Stylistically, I tastefully incorporate elements of Eastern culture; it serves as the bedrock upon which my designs are built and represents the essence of my personal style. Simultaneously, I focus on Asian people, their behavioral patterns, and psychological dynamics as central themes in my design research. Even in the case of commercial projects that demand a level of "deegoization," this design philosophy remains an integral part, striking a harmonious equilibrium between the two.
Nevertheless, it's important to emphasize that my approach isn't about replicating traditional culture. Rather, it encompasses a modern global design perspective, incorporating influences from around the world. It's a dynamic and ongoing exploration that seeks to organically combine tradition and modernity, resulting in designs that resonate with contemporary audiences while respecting the rich heritage of the East.

As you now reside in the U.S., how much does living in the USA influence your perception of your heritage?

The United States, serving as a hub of global cultural convergence, showcases the most contemporary and avant-garde trends in art. It is home to a myriad of extraordinary artists and designers who are continually pushing the boundaries of artistic history. My time in the U.S. has provided me with windows into this world of limitless possibilities and the lightning-fast evolution of art and design. It has allowed me to refresh my reservoir of knowledge while steadfastly holding onto my own design philosophy. This environment situates me within a global context, offering a broader perspective to chart my future course in the field of design.

At the same time, in your statement, you mention how you are "pushing the boundaries to create work that resonates globally." How do you plan to achieve this goal? And what does it represent for you?

Research occupies a pivotal role in my creative journey. It demands a profound exploration of Eastern history and culture alongside a forward-looking examination of contemporary global art trends. Equally significant is the quest to identify a distinctive and impactful visual language that can seamlessly bridge these two realms. Currently, I find myself in the stage of raising awareness, where the depth and breadth of my knowledge network are instrumental. The more comprehensive and diverse this network becomes, the greater the tapestry of possibilities I can weave. This fundamental and extensive research phase is the cornerstone of my ultimate goal's realization.

You predominantly work with graphic design, illustration, and branding. Why did you choose design specifically, and how does this medium help you create your narratives?

I envision a future world that is profoundly shaped by design, where the mantra is "everything can be designed." In this world, design serves as the driving force, fueled by ceaseless insight, boundless curiosity, and relentless problem-solving. It becomes an indispensable catalyst for progress and innovation.
Simultaneously, design is an incredibly versatile medium, capable of accommodating a vast spectrum of disciplines, presentations, and subjects. It functions as a powerful microphone that amplifies my voice to the wider world, empowering me to maintain my curiosity and perpetually explore. It provides a means to leave a lasting trail of ideas within the community, resonating with others in a profound and impactful way.

What do you see as the strengths of your work? And how do you see it evolving over the next few years?

Constant curiosity is an intrinsic facet of my personality that I hold dear. It's the unwavering commitment to exploring the nooks and crannies of life, fostering empathy for the environments and communities I engage with, akin to cultivating my own creative petri dishes.
Furthermore, my innate upbringing and the ability to synthesize these experiences aid me in pinpointing my role within the industry with greater precision. They help me elucidate the pathways I should traverse.
In the years to come, armed with a broader perspective and enhanced knowledge, I anticipate a more adept ability to deconstruct and reconstruct the visual languages of both the East and the West. This process will render them more distinct, irreplaceable, and capable of reaching wider audiences.

These days, everyone seems to focus on AI and AI-generated content. As it is a big shift that is likely to have a long-lasting impact on certain areas, what are your thoughts about it? Do you see A.I. as a threat or as a resource?

Indeed, the times are in a constant state of flux, especially in this era of rapid advancements in AI and technology. Every industry, including design, is adapting to new tools and approaches. Aesthetic and technological evolution will continue to accelerate, and the costs associated with these advancements are likely to decrease. However, I perceive this as an opportunity for creators to place even greater emphasis on the conceptualization of their work and the ideas it encapsulates.
In this dynamic landscape, different disciplines will intersect more frequently, fostering a collaborative environment where innovation is no longer confined to a singular path. The future of design is about embracing the multifaceted nature of creativity, leveraging technology as a tool to amplify ideas and concepts, and breaking down traditional boundaries to usher in a new era of innovation and creativity.

What do you wish to accomplish this year, both in terms of career goals and personal life?

I wish to retain the enthusiasm required to successfully complete my ongoing business and experimental projects, while simultaneously nurturing their development. On a personal note, I have a keen interest in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the art market in the context of A.I. trends.

Finally, what are you working on right now? Is there anything exciting you would like to tell our readers?

I've been delving into the origins of "brush calligraphy" lately, and I find it to be an exceptionally intriguing artistic medium. I'm excited about incorporating it as a foundational element in my upcoming design projects.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.