Kai Mao

Contemporary Sculptor & Painter | Exploring Humanity, Nature, and Coexistence

Artist Statement

My artistic practice explores the complex relationship between humanity, animals, nature, and civilization. Working primarily in sculpture and oil painting, I create imaginative worlds in which human and animal identities intersect, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between species and the meaning of coexistence.

In my *Superior Animals* series, animals take on human characteristics, gestures, and social roles. Through these hybrid figures, I examine the contradictions of human civilization, including our desire for power, our relationship with nature, and our tendency to place ourselves above other forms of life. Humor, symbolism, and poetic imagery allow these works to communicate both playful narratives and deeper reflections on contemporary society.

My sculptures emphasize expressive forms, dynamic movement, and the emotional presence of each figure. I seek a balance between recognizable anatomy and imaginative transformation, creating works that feel simultaneously familiar and unexpected.

Across different media, my work reflects an ongoing interest in the shared experiences of living beings. Rather than presenting humanity and nature as separate worlds, I hope to encourage empathy, curiosity, and a renewed awareness of our interconnected existence.

Visual Artist | Los Angeles, California, USA | kaimaoart.com | [email protected]