BIOGRAPHY
Pei Ou (China, b. 1995) is a versatile mixed media artist based in New York City, known for her profound exploration of generational traumas and family relationships through her artwork. She received her B.F.A. in Visual Arts from the University of San Diego in 2020, graduating with the first honor in the Dean’s and Departmental Honors in Visual Arts. Building on this foundation, Pei Ou continued her artistic journey and recently completed her M.F.A. in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts (NYC) in May 2023.
Pei Ou’s compelling paintings have garnered attention nationally, with exhibitions hosted at esteemed venues such as the School of Visual Arts Gramercy Gallery, New Collectors Gallery, and :iidrr Gallery. Her work delves into emotionally charged themes, providing a unique perspective on generational narratives and familial bonds.
CV
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
Winter Salon Pin Up, :iidrr Gallery, New York, NY
In The Mood For Love, VillageOneArt Gallery, New York, NY
The Hand of The Artist, Thesis Show, SVA Chelsea Gallery, New York, NY
2022
All Around Me, SVA Gramercy Gallery, New York, NY
Material Mixtape, New Collectors Gallery, New York, NY
2020
Disappearing Landscapes,Thesis Show, Visual Arts Center Gallery, San Diego, CA
2019
Design Ahead At SAN, San Diego Airport, San Diego, CA
STATEMENT
My artwork delves into the realm of emotions through the act of painting, serving as a means to heal from the psychological challenges of a toxic family upbringing. Painting becomes a method of catharsis and recovery. In my artistic journey, I employ the symbolism of trees as metaphors for the complexities of trauma and healing within family relationships. Similar to humans, trees respond to their environment, adapting to changes such as transplants, shifts in soil conditions, and varying weather. The branching growth of trees parallels the diverse paths of human experiences.
My fascination with trees originated from years of engagement with landscape painting. The color palette of 18th-century French painter Jean Baptiste Camille Corot has greatly influenced my work. Initially, I embraced plein-air techniques to portray themes of peace and joy, which later evolved into a darker color palette inspired by artists like Mark Rothko and Katherine Brandford. Deep blues, violets, and the darkest green hues now encapsulate feelings of isolation and freedom.
The abstract representation of tree trunk figures has become emblematic of my personal quest for liberation, symbolizing renewal and unwavering determination, much like trees persevering through adverse conditions. Often, my paintings feature ‘Little People,’ varying in number and context, each conveying distinct narratives. Whether situated indoors or outdoors, these stories offer both micro and macro perspectives, encouraging viewers to introspectively engage with their own experiences. My aspiration is to prompt audiences to confront and process their own familial traumas through the evocative visual medium of my artwork.
