Artist Profile: Eona Gao
Overview
In Thorn, Eona Gao crafts a ceramic sculpture that challenges perceptions of vulnerability and defense. The work, adorned with a crown of metallic spikes and protruding ears in pastel hues, evokes themes of listening, protection, and sensory overload. The balance between soft organic forms and sharp, rigid elements creates a striking tension, making the piece both inviting and confrontational.
Gao’s sculptural language draws on both surrealism and contemporary craft traditions, using unexpected textures and colors to evoke a visceral response. Thorn serves as an exploration of personal and collective barriers—how we absorb, filter, and shield ourselves from external forces. The artist invites the viewer to consider how protection and sensitivity coexist, questioning the thresholds between openness and defense.
Featured Artwork
Vault – Bushwick Gallery
- Artwork Title: Thorn
- Year of Creation: 2024
- Medium: Ceramic
- Dimensions: 10 in x 10 in x 12 in
- Current Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA