In the lead up to our 2018 MA Summer Show opening on 7 September, we’re catching up with some of our postgraduate alumni to find out what they have been up to since graduating.
Originally from China, Jiaqing Mo graduated from MA Fine Art in 2017 and has since been awarded art prizes and residencies and continues to exhibit internationally working as a video and installation artist.
We interviewed Jiaqing to see how her time at Chelsea developed her practice and led to new opportunities.
How has your practice developed since graduating?
I am developing my art career as an individual artist, I have worked in a studio in London through the Tiffany Co. & Outset Studiomakers Prize for a year after graduating. I also won the P:I:G Prize by Henrik Vibskov who is a great fashion designer and artist. I have also recently finished my first artist residency in Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, where I worked on an installation and video work.

What projects have you got coming up?
I’m currently editing my new film work, it will be exhibited in Fukuoka Art Festival alongside an installation this October in Japan. My work has also been exhibited in AsianArtWorks Galley (Beijing, China), at the Chicago Design Museum (USA) and at the ICA (London, UK). You can find more information about these shows on my website.
How did your time at Chelsea push your practice?
I experienced a very meaningful time at Chelsea, as an international student, I often struggled with communication which made it difficult to search for materials. However, all of these challenges I faced allowed me to grow faster and I graduated with a Distinction.

What was unique about studying at Chelsea College of Arts?
My classmates and tutors were all very friendly and helpful, all of the workshops were useful and incredible to work in.
I won The Tiffany & Co. x Outset Studiomakers Prize which provided me with a studio for a year after I graduated.
What was the most valuable thing you learned on the course?
Be smart, be hard-working, and be calm.

In what ways did the summer shows enhance your practice?
I worked long and hard to prepare for the summer show and I created new work which had never reached such levels. We had to discuss the show space with all the students and figure out the final plan. We learnt how to curate our own show and how to communicate with each other to achieve the best results.
What advice would you give to our graduating students?
You have to overcome lots and grow up quickly whilst studying, after this time, you will see a successful future.
Describe your time at Chelsea in 3 words
Deep, incredible, interesting.

To see more of Jiaqing’s work head to her website or Instagram page:
Explore work by more students at ChelseaDegreeShow.com
Find out more about this year’s MA Summer Show open 7 – 13 September
Find out more about MA Fine Art
