Jingwen Cao is a photography-focused, interdisciplinary artist whose practice explores the interplay of visual form and psychological depth. Her work delves into the tension between flatness and dimensionality, abstraction and figuration, creating thought-provoking pieces that engage viewers on multiple levels. With an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and a BFA from OCAD University, Jingwen demonstrates a profound commitment to both the conceptual and technical aspects of photography, consistently pushing the boundaries of the medium. Her work has been showcased internationally, with exhibitions in Bologna, New York, Providence, Berlin, and Toronto.




-



I explore the relationship between humans, spaces, and otherness, focus on how environments shape identity, foster connection, and and its bond with humans. By engaging transitional and liminal spaces, my practice challenges traditional notions of belonging and reveals the fluid boundaries between self and others. These spaces are dynamic and layered, offering a reflection of both personal and collective transformations.

In my work, I focus on photography and mixed media to engage with these themes, creating visual constructs that emphasize the psychological and emotional resonance of environments. I use sensory and atmosphere to create “ambient intimacies” spaces that evoke both connection and distance. Incorporating non-human elements such as abandoned sites, natural landscapes, and digital realms, I expand the narrative beyond humans and emphasize our entanglement with the ecosystems we inhabit.

Rooted in a dialogue between abstraction and representation, my practice examines how spaces influence perception and transformation. Each piece serves as an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider the complex relationships that shape our experiences within interconnected environments.