Artist Interview: Bao Mayen on Painting in a Parallel Life
- Monica
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
Bao Mayen was born and raised in Germany and studied Construction Technology and Ethics. Since 2019, she has worked as a part-time artist, using creative expression as a bridge between passion and compassion. Her art revolves around the deep emotional connection between two people— - a central theme reflected in her large-scale, emotive works. Bao loves long days by the lake and even longer nights in the studio. Traveling and building meaningful connections with people and cultures enrich her life and inspire her artistic journey.
Bao, your formal training is in Construction Technology and Ethics and you’ve “only” been doing art since 2019. Can you share your story of developing your artistic practice?
I have always been passionate about painting, but as the eldest daughter of a migrant working-class family, it never came into my mind to study art after finishing school. While studying Construction Technology and Ethics (which I also loved) and traveling around the world, I realized that what I truly wanted was to paint. More and more I felt the feeling of longing for freedom: I loved being in nature and making art. After spending an extended period abroad in 2019, I decided to dedicate my life to painting.
What does your setup look like now? Do you work and paint? Or paint and work?
I see art as my true calling and spend most of my time doing it. Still part-time, I work in construction management, which I also enjoy and helps me maintain a structured daily routine, as I tend to be a night owl. During my painting sessions, I often lose myself in my work, painting late into the night or even into the early morning hours before finally going to sleep.
Your paintings are mostly large, where do you paint, and what does your art studio look like?
When I started painting on a larger scale in 2019, I turned my living room into a studio. But when that space became too small, I rented a studio where I now have plenty of space just for myself and my paintings. All I need in my studio are my canvases, paints, brushes, and good music. I often sit on the floor or on a small stool for hours, completely losing track of time.
Tell me more about the figurines in your art. Where did they come from -and why are they often looking off into the distance?
The figures in my paintings are people from my close circle. In the beginning, I painted those who had brought me disappointment and anger in some way. Over time, that pain transformed into braveness and strength, and I began to paint moments where I felt a deep emotional connection with people I love. The animals in my paintings also symbolize connection and trust. My artworks are about feminism, empathy, empowerment, and support. The figures gaze into the world with bravery, confidence, and hope—ready for whatever the future may hold.
Where do you gather inspiration for your work?
The inspiration for my work comes from special moments shared with people I feel a deep connection with. I find the color combinations in my paintings in cafés, restaurants, on the streets, and in nature. Before starting a new piece, I already have a clear vision of how I want the figures to act toward each other. Sometimes I sketch on paper first, sometimes I draw directly onto the canvas. After that, I choose the color for the painting—but most of the time, I end up changing everything during the painting process.
We “met” on TikTok, where I first got to know your work. What’s your relationship with social media right now?
People on TikTok are so genuine, funny, and diverse. I saw artists simply having fun pursuing their passion and sharing their creative process, which I found incredibly inspiring and empowering. I wanted to be part of this art community and connect with like-minded creatives. TikTok even made it possible for me to participate in the Basel Art Summer Camp.
What motivated you to join the Basel Art Summer Camp?
What I loved about the Basel Art Summer Camp is that it’s all about bringing people together. I believe that art should be accessible and affordable for everyone, which is why I like that we are in a space that is open to the public. I’m excited to have almost a whole week to connect with other artists, meet new people who love art, share my work, and to learn new things through the workshops.
What are you excited to visit while you're in town?
I have a friend who moved to Basel a few years ago, and I haven’t had the chance to visit her yet. She’s the funniest and most inspiring person I know - so I’m really looking forward to spending time with her. Who knows, maybe we’ll share some special moments that I’ll later capture in new paintings.
Thank you to Bao for sharing her time, her story, and her reflections on weaving creativity into everyday life. If you’d like to meet her in person and experience her mesmerizing works up close, she’ll be exhibiting at the Basel Art Summer Camp this June. RSVP here to stay in the loop.
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