Andersen Woof (b. 1989) is a Chinese American painter who lives and works in Baltimore, Maryland. Originally trained in landscape architecture (RISD), Andersen constantly looks for ambiguous narratives that reflect the complexities of humanity through the lens of his own queer and immigrant life. His work has been exhibited at Semiose Gallery (Paris, France), 1969 Gallery (New York, NY), Fortnight Institute (New York, NY), CPM Gallery (Baltimore, MD), Vardan Gallery (Los Angeles, CA), Acappella Gallery (Naples, Italy), and more. Andersen is a grant finalist of the Hopper Prize, two-time semifinalist of the Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize, and his work has been featured in New American Paintings, Platform (by David Zwirner Gallery), ArtMaze Magazine, Art Verge, Booooooom, Baltimore Fishbowl, Mothflower, and Mepaintsme, among others.
“My current works focus on fictional storytelling of queer surviving and defending; the imagery and narratives are largely shaped by research in queer history, mysticism and religious art, cinema, psychology, philosophy, and my own queer and immigrant experiences in the US. Many of my recent paintings/drawings reflect on the brotherhood/camaraderie, loneliness, and vulnerability I've observed and experienced in intimate queer companionships; the juxtaposition (and the emotional connection I desperately want to make) between my past life in China (especially my childhood during the 90s with my now faraway parents) and my current adult life in the US; and my constant fear and anxiety (and obsession) about death/afterlife, pain/suffering, and desire/pleasure.”
“My current works focus on fictional storytelling of queer surviving and defending; the imagery and narratives are largely shaped by research in queer history, mysticism and religious art, cinema, psychology, philosophy, and my own queer and immigrant experiences in the US. Many of my recent paintings/drawings reflect on the brotherhood/camaraderie, loneliness, and vulnerability I've observed and experienced in intimate queer companionships; the juxtaposition (and the emotional connection I desperately want to make) between my past life in China (especially my childhood during the 90s with my now faraway parents) and my current adult life in the US; and my constant fear and anxiety (and obsession) about death/afterlife, pain/suffering, and desire/pleasure.”
Thank you very much!