Selena Wenen Xiao
As an artist who draws on multicultural influences, her work explores the intersection of nature, traditional culture, and contemporary art. Drawing inspiration from her observations of the world, particularly her profound experiences in natural environments, she aims to highlight the richness of diversity through artistic dialogue.
She blends traditional materials with contemporary techniques to convey layered meaning and emotional depth. Her research focuses on China’s intangible cultural heritage, investigating its connections to contemporary art. She believe art can serve as a bridge for communication, encouraging viewers to reflect on their cultural identities and personal experiences. Each piece reflects her reverence for nature and my contemplation of artistic legacy, inviting viewers to find resonance within them.
Through her work, she aims to spark thoughtful discussions about the interplay between time, nature, and culture. She aims to inspire viewers to reexamine themselves and the world around them, ultimately guiding them toward inner peace.
Education
- RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- Master of Arts (MFA) Mar 2024 –Jul 2025
- Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts Feb 2021 – Dec 2023
- Foundation Studies in Art, Design, and Architecture Feb 2019 – Nov 2019
Exhibitions
- 2025: “Convergence” exhibition at Blindside Gallery (Producer), Melbourne.
- 2024: Summer Small Works Show at Caelene Nee Glen (Awarded in the Summer Works Show & Prize 2024), Melbourne.
- 2023: RMIT BFA Graduation Exhibition, Melbourne.
- 2022: Participated in the M.A.D.S International Contemporary Art Exhibition “LIQUID ARSENAL”, Spain.
- 2022: Participated in the Fifty Squared Art Prize Exhibition, Melbourne.
- 2019: Participated in the RMIT Annual FS Exhibition, Melbourne.
Awards & Honors
- 2024: Awarded at the Summer Works Show & Prize 2024
Collections
- 2019: Selected for the RMIT Annual FS Showcase; work acquired by RMIT for its collection.
- 2017: A still life sketch collected by an art studio in Guangzhou, China
Internships and Work Experience
- Dec 2024 – Feb 2025 (Part-time)
Position: Intern, Curatorial and Operations Department
Organization: Shining Art Gallery, Guangzhou, China
Responsibilities: – Assisted in curatorial planning and daily museum operations – Participated in the organization and execution of art exhibitions - 2023 (Internship)
Position: Intern, Research Department
Organization: PHOTO Australia, Melbourne, Australia
Responsibilities: Supported art market research, exhibition planning, and project execution; collaborated on cross-departmental projects. - 2020 – 2023 (Part-time)
Position: Contracted Contributor
Organization: Visual China Group (VCG), China
Responsibilities: Authored art-related content, curated visual materials, and contributed to the planning and execution of visual communication projects. - 2020 – 2022 (Part-time)
Position: Art Teacher & Curator
Organization: BlankPage Art and Painting Gallery, Guangzhou, China
Responsibilities: Served as an art teacher and curator; organized art lectures and workshops, and planned and executed art exhibitions.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
– RMIT – Hiromi’s Big Anxiety Project. 2022
– Affordable Art Fair Melbourne VIP NIGHT 2022