Jade Kuei

Jade Kuei is a new media artist, designer, illustrator and animator based in Jersey City, NJ. Kuei graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2003, focusing on fine art and two-dimensional animation. Kuei is best known for her whimsical yet haunted illustrations, which are a direct abstraction of her own dreams and experiences. She credits her 5-year-old son and his superpowers for being a catalyst of inspiration and the key to unlocking her magnum opus.

Much of her inspiration has come from contemporary Asian art, especially Japanese illustration and painting. She admires the work of painter Yoshitomo Nara and animated filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Musical influences have also had an impact on her work, as Ms. Kuei was active in the skate/punk scene in Las Vegas during her youth, including performing as a vocalist with her own band.

“My artistic process expresses my fear of threats and dangers of the outside world upon my child, in contrast with my hopes for him – and all youth – to find within himself the power to overcome harsh circumstances, strength to cope with challenges and the courage to care. Illustrating inspirational young characters (referred to as “The Small Seekers”) emerge triumphant against – or flow in harmony with – intimidating, isolating and dangerous backgrounds, or “the unknown,” is essential to my work.” Jade Kuei