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Yao Xiao is a China-born illustrator based in New York City. Yao Xiao creates artwork depicting a poetic visual world where complex concepts and human emotions are examined, amplified, and given physical form.
Her work has helped people all over the globe connect at unique moments, from the celebration of the 20 Year Anniversary of the SXSW Interactive Festival, to the grand release of pop singer Katy Perry's single 'Dark Horse.' She has created deeply emotional and beautiful graphics for editorial print publications, pop music record covers, concert posters and book covers.
Yao Xiao's serialized comic Baopu currently runs monthly on Autostraddle. It is an original comic exploring the nuances in searching for identities, connections and friendships through the fictional life of a young, queer emigrant.
Baopu stands for 'holding simplicity,' a Taoist ideal of wishing to return to a simpler state.
Find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Etsy or her website.
Yao has written 132 articles for us.
Aaah I feel this!
I love my family but close communication is not their forte.
I just tried to change things by actually admitting to my mum that I’d had a recent bout of depression, and then she responded by saying “Oh no, but you shouldn’t feel that way.”
And then I realized why I don’t share back.
The oceans are indeed figurative as well as literal.
oh my gosh, my heart. thank you Baopu <3
Accurate
Perfect metaphor
Ow.
This is such an accurate and powerful description of my relationship with my family, it hits hard.
I’m currently spending the weekend at my parents house. This comic is very very fitting.
Ugh. Yes. ??? Saw my parents off this morning, after two weeks together, so…
Ooof
that’s exactly it
Yes.
thank you so much
This is lovely ❤️
tears