THE CYRUS COLLECTIVE
Michael Gao
Michael Gao (b. 2002 in China; based in Edinburgh, UK) paints to investigate societal dynamics, violence, and humour through the lens of the rapidly evolving contemporary visual culture. Gao delves into the visual repertoire of the digital aesthetics and examines themes of late capitalism, censorship, technology, and the political climate. He blends figuration and symbolisms with digital found images, translating the tension and anxiety into claustrophobic virtual spaces. In an attempt to highlight the absurdity in both the IRL and the digital landscape, Gao creates these tongue-in-cheek snapshots of an alternative hyperreality, filled with hyperbole, juxtaposition, and dark humor.
Press
https://701gallery.co/pages/michael-gao