Meet Chen Ge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chen Ge.

Hi Chen, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a member of the Li ethnic minority from Hainan, China, I’ve felt a natural inclination towards artistry since childhood. In 2016, filled with anticipation, I journeyed to the United States to pursue my undergraduate degree in advertising. Following graduation, over the course of two years, I embarked on a quest to discover my true identity, igniting a passion that led me to formally delve into the world of fashion photography and styling. 

From 2020 to 2023, during the three years post-graduation, I established myself as a freelance creative in Shanghai, China, collaborating with esteemed brands and magazines. My main role involved styling and photographing celebrities as well as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) for magazine features. At the same time, as a mixed-media artist, I persistently engage in artistic expression through mediums like video, 3D, AI, and imagery. Notably, my project “3021” remains a pivotal ongoing endeavor, representing a cornerstone of my artistic journey. Driven by a desire to pursue my ultimate aspirations, I made the pivotal decision to relocate to New York in 2023, commencing my journey towards advanced studies in fashion photography. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a mixed-media creator, my professional path has seen its challenges when I first started. I’ve pondered whether to specialize solely as a photographer, stylist, or director and if managing all these roles is feasible. Career decisions have weighed heavily on my mind, but after two years of reflection, I’ve chosen to prioritize photography and styling while embracing the versatility of other artistic forms. To me, these mediums represent various dialects of creativity, and I intuitively select the most fitting one for each project I embark upon. Even if some of my creations cannot be commercialized and primarily exist as art, their presence is indispensable for me to realize my personal values and to cultivate my own imaginative world. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Growing up in a household influenced by Buddhism and metaphysics, my creative pursuits span photography, styling, directing, painting, and AI-generated imagery, all centered around exploring the significance of life and death. Through a process of deconstruction, I’ve constructed a dystopian realm critiquing societal issues and the impact of technology. I challenge established norms by examining how contemporary crises shape perceptions of life and death, infused with a visual language marked by absurdity and playfulness. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
During the pandemic, I created two projects fueled by my firsthand experiences and resulting anger. One of them was inspired by the rapid development of the metaverse, where people began attempting to accomplish everything from home. This new lifestyle seemed to offer us more possibilities, yet it also brought forth potential issues. My project, “3021,” primarily imagines and analyzes social phenomena and problems that may exist in our future lives within the metaverse. With satire as its core, I began using 3D modeling, AI, and fragmented visual effects to kickstart this project. 

However, I still believe that significant societal changes have their rationale. Even if their drawbacks outweigh their benefits, societal shifts have always propelled the development of art. People require feelings of anger as a starting point for inspiration. 

Contact Info:

• Website: chloege.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloeeege?igsh=MWtnaHc0bDdqNWJjeQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ChloeGE-kg9pt?si=OPbMWRkau6YPJrCz

Image Credits
Chen Ge
Helen Tang
Mary Ocean
Wandi Zhang
Cici Chang
Sherry Lee
Ezzat
Daisy Gao
Yiilin Yu
Honghin Lou
Yujie Wang
Bingqing Wang
Pingping Hu
Nicole Ling
Juanjie
Koushuang
Olaf
Xiaowang
Eliza Finskaya
Shanju Wu
Skylar
Lulu Xi
Frank Styling
Keer Fan
Huahua
Michelle
Ruiz
Camber
Yunxi Shao
Maosheng Qi
Bocai Chen
Pinjie
Ailan Wang
Renkai Chen
Jingqun Chen
Xingjian Wang
Kris Chen
Hui Cai Photography
Bocai Chen
Yule Zhang
Alco Hair
Hong Wei Photography
Yihang
Menglin
Ace Studio
Yuhan Shi