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Yao Xiao
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 Xiao has written 138 articles for us.
Comments
Yeah. I feel this. I’m currently in the stages of pre-grief, if that makes sense. My grandmother is dying of cancer. We don’t have a timeline or anything, but I know she won’t be around for as long as I want her to be. I hate it.
Anticipatory grief. I have found it to be easier than sudden grief, and still hard, like Yao Xiao says. I’m sorry and wish you healing now and when the time comes.
Why wasn’t I told I’d have to grieve all kinds of loss? People leaving, opportunities missed, grieving those cut off and still alive…blech!
One of my oldest friends died recently, I’m flying interstate for her funeral next week. On the 7th anniversary of my dad’s death.
My person died in 2021 of ovarian cancer and I still want to talk to her all the time. I see things she would like, hear stories I want to tell her, and it just feels like I have been on autopilot survival mode for two years. I am lucky that I like my jobs and my cats because they are all I have carved out time or energy for these last few years, but I hope to feel joy and connection again someday. Thank you for this!
Your writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making complex topics accessible to everyone. Thank you for making learning enjoyable.calgary stampede evening show
This comic resonates deeply with me. Grieving is indeed such a complex and personal experience, and Baopu captures that raw, emotional struggle beautifully. It’s so true that even when you try to build structure to stay afloat, the pain can still feel overwhelming. Thank you, Yao Xiao, for giving voice to these difficult emotions—It’s comforting to know others feel the same way, where shared experiences can provide a sense of connection and healing.