2nd Prize Catherine K. Gyllerstrom Imaginative Realism Award

Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2026

Gigi Chen

Title:

“The Purest Light” 

Medium & Dimensions:

Acrylic on Wood Panel, 24 x 30″

About the Artist

Born in Guangdong, China, and raised in New York City, Gigi Chen crafts a unique aesthetic that blends her background as a traditional animator and painter. Deeply rooted in the art of storytelling, her work explores themes of family and relationships and the ongoing pursuit of the “Ideal of Home”. Her vibrant compositions use wildlife and light as powerful metaphors for love, tragedy and the hope for redemption. In addition to her fine art, Gigi is a dedicated birder and burgeoning nature photographer with a growing passion for animal rights. Her artwork has been featured in solo gallery exhibitions at Beinart Gallery in Melbourne, Australia, and Antler Gallery in Portland, Oregon. She has also participated as an Artist in Residence with the 4Heads Organization on Governors Island, New York City.

“The Purest Light”: This is a particularly personal piece. The Barn Owl is walking amongst the magical glowing mushrooms in the lush forest. Sadly, he can only focus on the weight of the chains on his ankle. The Tufted Titmice flies down, bearing the key to secure his release. We each contain complex inner lives. The good, the bad, the complicated. “The Purest Light” is about how those big feelings can hinder us from seeing the beauty that is always surrounding us. Bark flaking from a Sycamore Tree. The changing of the seasons. The gentle glide of a sparrow. Life is so complex. If we are lucky, we have our communities and our friends who call us on a Monday afternoon asking how we are doing.