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Faculty of Art
Drawing and Painting
Meet the Artist
Jiarui
Yan
aka. Gaga, Drawing And Painting
“Through my art, I long to share my personal journey with the world—a tale of awakening, self-discovery, and independence. Inspired by my own experiences, my work is designed to inspire those on the path to finding themselves and their courage. I believe that through the power of art, we can boldly take control of our lives, tapping into our inner strength. I aspire for my creations to be more than just a feast for the eyes; I want them to stir the soul, empowering every viewer with the courage and strength to face life.”
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Gaga Yan's art merges painting with media, reflecting her introspections, conflicting thoughts, and awakening personal consciousness. Her works evoke a paradoxical romantic atmosphere, resonating deeply with audiences through the portrayal of intricate emotions. Drawing extensively on her diverse background, including her educational experiences in China and Canada, as well as her ethnic and social contexts, Yan dissects her past to detail her emotional landscape and character development.Raised in China under the influence of her perfectionist father, who studied in Japan, and her gentle, affable mother, Yan absorbed strict ideals of diligence and traditional gender roles, alongside the 'ideal' feminine image. Her time at a semi-militarized boarding school and later studies in Western educational settings introduced contradictions that enhanced her third-person analytical perspective, a recurring theme in her art. Her works explore her evolving consciousness of female independence and self-awareness, underscoring her contemporary female experience.In 2020, Gaga Yan pursued a major in Fine Art/Drawing and Painting at OCAD University in Ontario, Canada, further developing her artistic voice and technical expertise.
Painting
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Celebrate the work of OCAD U’s class of 2023/2024!