Meet Hao Chen | Media Artist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hao Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hao, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because art has always been my way of understanding and refracting the world around me. From a young age, I was captivated by the striking visuals of classical artworks, which sparked my desire to create. Over time, my interests evolved beyond traditional forms, leading me to explore interactive and immersive media. My studies in Illustration at The University of Edinburgh provided me with a foundation in diverse media, but it was my growing fascination with the interplay between the artist and the audience that truly defined my path.

Now, as I continue my journey studying Art and Technology at CalArts, I am deepening my exploration of the intersections between digital media, performance, and audience engagement. I am particularly drawn to the possibilities of installation art and interactive media, where I can merge physical and digital experiences to provoke emotional and intellectual responses. My work often focuses on the body—its transformations, vulnerabilities, and resilience—using technology as a medium to push these ideas further.

Choosing an artistic career was not just a pursuit of passion but a commitment to a lifelong exploration of storytelling, participation, and human connection. Whether through generative visuals, performance-based installations, or interactive interfaces, I find fulfillment in creating experiences that challenge perceptions and invite viewers to become active participants in the narrative.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art practice is deeply rooted in exploring the complexities of the human body—its form, its vulnerability, and its potential for transformation. I am fascinated by the theatrical display of the body and the idea of brutal metamorphosis, depicting reality through surrealistic and emotionally charged lenses. What sets my work apart is the way I intertwine the physical with the digital, creating immersive experiences that challenge the audience’s perception and engagement. I strive to blur the lines between performance and installation, merging real human presence with digital projections and interactive elements to create a dynamic dialogue between the artwork and the viewer.
Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey, from traditional illustration to digital media, that required me to step outside my comfort zone, embracing new technologies and experimental approaches. It wasn’t always easy—learning new tools, collaborating across disciplines, and finding my unique voice in the art world all came with their own set of hurdles. However, I have learned that persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty are key to growth. Every challenge has taught me something valuable—whether it’s the importance of collaboration, the power of storytelling, or the impact of engaging an audience beyond passive viewing.
Through my work, I want the world to see art as an evolving conversation rather than a static object. I believe that interaction—whether through physical participation or emotional resonance—is at the core of meaningful artistic experiences. My goal is to continue pushing boundaries, creating work that invites people to reflect, question, and engage with the visceral realities of their existence.
At the heart of my brand and story is a deep desire to create art that resonates beyond the visual, engaging viewers on a sensory and emotional level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I’m currently studying at CalArts, I’d start the itinerary with a visit to the campus itself—exploring the creative studios, galleries, and ongoing student projects. The campus itself is a gallery of experimental and cutting-edge works. We’d also dive into The Broad, where contemporary works always spark interesting conversations. A stop at MOCA would also be on the list to explore groundbreaking exhibitions. In the evening, let’s hit up an experimental performance at REDCAT, CalArts’ downtown arts center, which hosts innovative multimedia performances.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my professors and mentors at The University of Edinburgh and now at CalArts. Their guidance has been instrumental in helping me refine my artistic voice, pushing me to explore new media and challenge my creative boundaries. I’m also endlessly inspired by my peers—fellow artists, designers, and game developers I’ve met through art communities and game jams. These experiences have not only expanded my technical skills but have also reinforced the importance of collaboration, experimentation, and resilience in creative practice.

Instagram: @haosyrupy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hao-chen-7609602b9/

Image Credits
I own all the credits