Tairan Hao, a multidisciplinary artist specializing in new media art, has established a distinctive presence in the art world by fusing technology with traditional artistic techniques. Currently based in New York, Hao’s artistic journey began early in life and was shaped by his education. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the California College of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Pennsylvania. These academic experiences laid the groundwork for his career, enabling him to seamlessly merge digital and physical elements, and continually push the boundaries of contemporary art.
Hao’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in technology, reflecting his fascination with the interplay between the virtual and real worlds. His works often explore themes of personal identity, sociopolitical discourse, and environmental crises, employing a variety of mediums including animation, video, sculpture, and interactive installations. Hao’s art is not merely for observation but embracing audiences’ active participation, transforming viewers from passive onlookers to engaged participants. One of Hao’s notable projects is “Remains to be Unfolded”， which interrogates the societal impacts of political frameworks, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This project uses a combination of steel fences and video installations to create an interactive experience that highlights the manipulation of narratives and their effects on collective consciousness.
Hao’s work is heavily influenced by his upbringing in China and his experiences in the United States. This bicultural background instills a deep exploration of identity amidst political and cultural shifts. Hao’s philosophy posits that art and games share an intrinsic connection, both involving rules and creativity within those constraints. This perspective is evident in his approach to art-making, where he views the creative process as a game—a structured yet liberating activity.
Hao’s body of work is extensive and varied, with pieces like “Disordered” and “Soliloquizing Brugmansia” standing out for their innovative use of technology and interactive elements. “Disordered” is an interactive sculpture questioning the ethic of human augmentations. The piece will bounce in an unpredictable manner eventually falling apart when its detected presence of human movement combines surreal and real elements to highlight issues brought by technological advancement. “Soliloquizing Brugmansia,” a public installation featuring 3D modeling then 3D printed elements and stainless steels, exemplifies Hao’s commitment to merging digital crafting with physical reality.
In the diverse exploration of contemporary art, Tairan Hao, with his unique perspective and creative practices, poses a thought-provoking question: Can artistic creation be viewed as a form of play? By delving into the rules, freedom, and interaction with the audience in artistic creation, Hao demonstrates the complex and profound connection between art and games, virtual and reality, challenging our traditional understanding of art.
Throughout his career, Hao has showcased his work in numerous prestigious venues worldwide. His solo exhibitions include a notable show at the Beijing Today Art Museum in 2017, curated by Zhijie Qiu. Group exhibitions have taken Hao to the Wuhan Biennale, Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, and the EFA Project space, among others. These exhibitions have allowed Hao to reach a broad audience and establish his presence as a pioneering figure in the field of new media art.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Hao also runs new media art start-ups. He founded TAIRANHAO STUDIO and co-founded Useless Art, an agency dedicated to new media art. Useless Art aims to integrate art into daily life, transforming “useless art” into impactful works that engage and inspire, all designed to make new media art more accessible. This initiative reflects Hao’s belief in the practical and emotional value of art, advocating for its accessibility and relevance in contemporary society.
Tairan Hao’s journey highlights the transformative potential of blending technology with traditional art forms. His works challenge viewers to engage with complex themes of identity, politics, and environmental issues, all while redefining the role of art in the modern world. Through his innovative use of new media and his entrepreneurial ventures, Hao continues to push the boundaries of what art can achieve, making a significant impact on both the art world and society at large.