Wenwen Liao

Which year did you graduate and what brought you to MCAD for your MFA? Could you speak a little bit about your background?

I graduated from MCAD with my MFA in 2014. I was excited when I was accepted both because of their scholarship program and exceptional reputation in developing inspiring artists.

I grew up in a seaside city in the south of China where I started developing my artistic tastes. I followed my passion for art by going to the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing where I graduated in animation and film. I furthered my studies by moving to the United States and attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) where I got my Master of Fine Arts.

How did your art change while you were at MCAD?

MCAD helped me develop my artistic identity. It opened my eyes to the different ways I can express myself in my art.

How has your work evolved since your time at MCAD?

I developed a ‘little girl’ series of paintings that explores the innocence of childhood. I’ve learned to focus on engaging the viewer’s inquisitive nature.

What is next? Any new projects or jobs that are in the pipeline?

Now I want to keep pursuing my painting career. I try to modernize Chinese painting techniques. I feel they portray beauty but the traditional themes do not give a personal connection to the viewer. My art uses colors to create tranquil moments of childhood innocence. I attempt to bring warm and loving feelings to the viewer that is full of positive energy and kindness.

I also teach children through a Chinese educational institution called Discovery Children’s Education. This is a passion of mine and I want to bring what I learned during my whole life to these kids.

You donated work for the MCAD Art Sale to support our MFA 2020 Fund, which benefits future Black, Indigenous, and People of Color MFA students—thank you! What motivated you to contribute to this scholarship effort?

I come from China and this touches me personally. What I got from the MCAD MFA program made what I am today. I hope the students who can study in the MCAD MFA program can get better benefits.