Aries Yuanzhou Qian is an illustrator and a storyteller. She makes illustrations that focus on a hybrid of Asian and Western cultures by transferring and interpreting universal contemporary events and stories through a traditional mythological Asian aesthetic in various mediums. Qian was born in Chengdu, Southwest China—a historical city near Tibet that preserves countless cultural and historical relics. This environment influenced the subtle Buddhist meditation emphasized in her work. Qian is interested in exploring the possibilities of work that effectively combines both “fine” and “commercial” art. Her thesis strives to merge components of Western and Asian imagery through the use of Western typefaces, modern digital printing techniques, and traditional Asian paintings. Qian interprets texts through the lens of her personal Asian aesthetic, creating parallel worlds, applying techniques borrowed from the past, breaking up opinions, identities, outlooks, and artworks into divergent pieces, and then reassembling them into unique and personal interpretations. Be sure to join us on Friday, May 11th from 6-9pm at the MFA Graduate Studios to enjoy Aries's thesis work, along with the other 2018 graduates! MFA Thesis Exhibition and Reception For more information: visit Aries Yuanzhou Qian online. Artist portrait by Shun Yong Categories All Student Activities Student Profile Thesis