Artist Interview: Cleo Peng

Cleo Peng is a New York-based artist from China. Fascinated by explorations of new perspectives on life and our interactions with nature, Cleo's art has become essential to her own self-discovery.

The artist moved to NYC in 2019 and began her journey as a digital illustrator during the pandemic after graduating from Parsons. Through her pieces, she invites viewers to connect with their own emotions and the natural world around them.

We asked Cleo about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

*Digital Illustration by Cleo Peng: Cheek to Cheek*

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

I began drawing at a young age, filling my notebooks with sketches. However, I didn't see myself as an illustrator or artist until I started exploring digital art on my iPad during the pandemic. With my foundation in drawing, crafting my ideas became natural. It was during this time that I began to see myself as a creative individual, focusing on the concepts behind my drawings, and starting to conceptualize and find my artistic voice.

*Digital Illustration by Cleo Peng: Attack*

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

I would say photography has been a huge influence on my personal work, I love pushing the boundaries of digital brushes and realism, aiming for my art to evoke a sense of authenticity akin to photographs, capturing sentimental moments. Since the beginning of my journey as an artist, humans and nature have been my primary subjects. I find it extremely fascinating to explore new perspectives on life and our interactions with nature.

*Digital Illustration by Cleo Peng: Crab girl*

You often work with nude characters – what do they represent in your work?

I believe nudity represents our most authentic human form—it's what we see in the mirror every day and a significant aspect of self-perception. I naturally lean towards nude form when I’m build a character or story in my mind.

*Digital Illustration by Cleo Peng: Heated*

What is an event which you consider a milestone in your digital art career?

I’m not sure if it is a particular event, but one of the milestone in my art career is entering my first long-term intimate relationship. It helped me discover sensibilities within myself that I didn't know existed. This experience has infused new energy into my work as I continue to discover my identity and explore what truly speaks to who I am.

*Digital Illustration by Cleo Peng: Exhale*

Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?

My latest piece “Can you ____ me?” is a pretty special one for me. I spent two months iron out the concept and how would I bring it to life, it is a piece about feeling unseen and finding identity in this loud world, and overcoming a part one self that feels like hiding. Each layer is an individual drawing, assembled in a digital environment where I experimented with motion and camera angles. I believe this piece marks a start of a new era for my artistic journey.

*Still from Animated Digital Art by Cleo Peng: Can you see me?*

Can you describe any experiences or moments in NYC that have significantly impacted your artistic direction?

Moving to NYC has definitely shaped me as an artist – the people I meet, places I go… NYC has influenced me in so many ways, but the most significant impact is my newfound ability to express my world through art without fear of judgment or reservation. It has made me bold, which I love.