Wildlife takes center stage in the works of New York-based artist Gigi Chen, but not in the way we are accustomed. Chen creates hyper-realistic depictions of wildlife while putting them in surreal scenarios that intrigue the viewer’s imagination.
Chen’s paintings prominently feature birds as main subjects, influenced by the artist’s love for nature and fascination with birds. Additionally, the birds represent “symbols of her personal stories.”
“Nature is pure magic, and I create work channeling that wonder, notably casting birds as the main characters who tell my stories,” she explained in a recent chat with Canvas Rebel. “Birds to me are so fascinating. They are a huge species in which every type of bird looks different and each performs their own way of life.”
Chen started her artistic journey more than two decades ago, working as an assistant to fine artists after leaving college and abandoning her goal of becoming an animator. The experience helped her master the demanding Old Master techniques and get familiar with working on large-scale art projects. Soon, she started creating fine art herself and it didn’t took long for the quality and captivating elements of her paintings to capture the attention of reputable art galleries and art enthusiasts.
You can check some of Chen’s paintings by scrolling below.
