Exhibition Opening of Expanding Horizons

Artist Statement: "Beyond Horizons" is a captivating photographic exhibition exploring the landscapes and cultural identities of West Texas and Southeast China—two places the artist calls home. Through immersive photography and experimental projection techniques, the exhibition blurs spatial and temporal boundaries, encouraging reflection on cultural interconnectedness, identity, and belonging in an increasingly globalized world.

Artist Bio: Jiawei Gong’s origins trace back to the picturesque Hangzhou, China, where he was nurtured and grew up. His academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the China Academy of Art in 1992, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in digital media from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2007.

With a career spanning over two decades, Gong has delved into both the applied and fine arts. His professional roles have varied from being an art editor and press photographer for newspapers, to a freelance illustrator, graphic designer, and educator. Since embarking on his artistic voyage in 1987, Gong has contributed illustrations to more than 60 books and penned two weekly comic columns, making his mark in both China and the U.S. His artwork has been showcased in over 90 group and solo exhibitions worldwide, including in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Gong’s creative excellence has been recognized with numerous awards at international film festivals and art competitions, alongside grants supporting his artistic research endeavors. In the realm of education, Gong has imparted his knowledge at several institutions across China and the U.S., and he presently holds a professorship at the School of Future Design at Beijing Normal University in Zhuhai, China. Gong’s artistic exploration currently focuses on the essence of human experience and the critique of contemporary society. He predominantly employs digital media—ranging from digital video and sound to digital photography and interactive web art—to express his creative visions. Drawing inspiration from his life in America and his Chinese heritage, Gong’s work is deeply influenced by traditional Chinese philosophy and literature, which enrich his artistic narratives. The ongoing global socio-cultural dynamics further fuel his artwork, offering a platform for his incisive social and cultural observations.