GHOSTQIAOis a visual artist residing in the Netherlands and China—for now—who delights in using bold, vibrant colors—sometimes a bit cheeky—that can be jarring or uncomfortable for some viewers. With her unique perspective, she observes the world and interprets it in her whimsical way, often infused with a sharp sense of humor. Her works are quirky, funny, and occasionally laced with irony.
As a digital native, Ghost Qiao loves technology and thrives in the realm of computers. While she possesses strong painting skills, she craves more than just still images; she aspires to breathe life into everything she creates, imbuing her art with personality and vibrancy.
Passionate about merging visuals and sound, she explores the realms of video and installation art. Her repertoire includes illustration, 2D/3D animation, creative videos, interactive website design, and Unity game development. Always eager to push her boundaries, she embraces every opportunity to try something new.
In addition to her visual art, Ghost Qiao dreams of becoming a professional musician. She envisions creating her own music videos, releasing albums, and performing worldwide. Ultimately, she aspires to be a multifaceted artist, continuously exploring and expressing her creativity in various forms.
BIO
Like many Millennial kids, we were the first generation to truly experience computers and the internet. We browsed websites, customized our desktops, and spent hours chatting on MSN Messenger. But unlike many of my peers, who were captivated by video games, I was fascinated by creating animations and websites using Flash and Dreamweaver. I spent days and nights crafting funny Flash animations and building websites for my class. In fact, I represented my school in a website competition and even won. Looking back, perhaps that was the first artistic spark that ignited in me. However, I didn’t have the chance to explore art further until college.
After I quit my first engineering college, I went back to basics and prepared to study art. I retook the college entrance exam and eventually entered an art school, majoring in communication design. During those four years, I focused on improving my drawing skills while working part-time as a singer in a bar. After graduation, I realized my passion for animation was far from fulfilled, so I applied to study digital animation at Pratt Institute in New York.
Although I didn’t complete the program and only stayed in New York for a year, it was a transformative experience. I loved the city despite the high cost of living, and I felt incredibly happy during my time there. After returning to China, I began my career as an animator, also working on post-production for agencies. Life at home was comfortable and pressure-free, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted to see more of the world. The outside world felt like a dream to me—filled with advanced art, music, and diverse cultures. I was tired of being in the same place, immersed in the same stories and routines. I wanted to grow, to immerse myself in new environments and experiences—something completely new!
This drive led me to enroll in the Interactive Media Design program at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. Looking back on my journey, the path has been anything but smooth. I often felt like I was blindly pursuing whatever inspired me at the time, without concern for how much time or energy I was investing. At 34, while many of my peers in China are married with children, I remain determined to pursue my studies and ambitions. Now, at 35, in the year 2024, I'm in my third year of school, applying for internships and hoping to secure a good job to stay here after graduation.
I often think about how people like me are lucky. We know exactly what we love to do. We chase our dreams without hesitation, and we do it with bravery, purpose, and determination.