Sunshine on a Rainy Day

by Mao and Chris

Kun Chen (Mao) and Chris Savage are a collaborative artist duo based in Calgary, Canada. Working across ceramics, painting, and public art, their practice explores themes of identity, cultural hybridity, and social transformation. Drawing from both traditional and contemporary influences, they create visually layered works that foster cross-cultural dialogue and invite nuanced interpretations of personal and collective narratives.

The pair met in 2017 while completing their Master of Fine Arts degrees at the University of Calgary. In 2020, they founded Mao Projects and established a home studio where their shared vision took shape. Combining Mao’s background as a first generation Chinese artist with Chris’ Canadian upbringing, their collaborative work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling through material, form, and visual symbolism.

Mao and Chris have received recognition through grants and awards from institutions including the Canada Council for the Arts and Calgary Arts Development. Their work has been exhibited across Canada and internationally.