Andrew Thomas Huang
Chinese American visual artist and film director
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Andrew Thomas Huang is a Chinese American visual artist and film director[2] known for his music videos for artists Björk,[3] FKA twigs and Atoms for Peace.[4] In 2019, Huang was nominated for a Grammy for his music video for FKA twigs, "Cellophane."[5] He is the grandson of the Chinese scholar and libertarian socialist activist Huang Wenshan.[6]
Andrew Thomas Huang | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1983 or 1984 (age 41–42)[1] |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California |
| Occupations | Filmmaker, artist |
| Website | andrewthomashuang |
Early life
Huang grew up in a Christian household, which heavily influenced his vulnerability on open queer expression and self-identity.[7] He cites his religious upbringing as a motive for investigating spirituality in tandem with personal and sexual experiences.[7]
He first began drawing and creating puppets from a young age, which sparked his interest in the arts.[8]
Career
Huang graduated with a degree in Fine Art and Animation from the University of Southern California.[10]
In 2005, Huang's short film "Doll Face" gained hundreds of thousands of views of YouTube, launching his career.[11] Following the success of the video, Huang was invited to the Google Creator Summit.[11]
His films and videos have been commissioned by and exhibited at The Museum of Modern Art, NYC;[12] MoMA PS1;[13] The Sydney Opera House, Sydney;[14] The Pacific Asia Museum;[15] The Somerset House;[15] and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.[16]
Huang has collaborated with the Bjork many times after catching the artist's attention through "Solipsist", a video uploaded on Vimeo.[17] He collaborated with her to creatively direct her immersive VR exhibition Bjork Digital. This also catalyzed him to start working on music videos for various well known artists.[8]
With his strength in world-building, Huang continues his foray into narrative with his first feature film Tiger Girl which has received support from Sundance[18] and Film Independent.[19] His narrative short "Kiss of the Rabbit God"[20] premiered at Tribeca Film Festival 2019.[21] "Kiss of the Rabbit God" was also his first film that addressed his Asian and queer identity.[8]
In 2025, he began working "The Deer of Nine Colors", a Buddhist sci-fi film that is set to premiere at the Thailand Biennale.[22]
Themes and Style
Huang mainly mixes puppetry, visual effects, and animation to achieve his film aesthetics.[23] For photography and exhibitions, he has used 3D to mock his prosthetics and brought them to life through sculpture.[24]
His work mainly touches upon themes of the Chinese-American and queer experience using inspiration from Asian mythology, animism, and futurism.[25] Weaving in fantastical elements, Huang frequently references Chinese deities and spiritual iconography in his art.[26]
Videography
Music videos
- Björk - "Mutual Core"[27] (2012)
- Atoms for Peace - "Before Your Very Eyes..."[27] (2013)
- Sigur Rós - "Brennisteinn" (2013)
- Björk - "Black Lake"[27] (2015)
- Björk - "Stonemilker"[27] (2015)
- Björk - "The Gate"[27] (2017)
- Kelela - "LMK" (2017)
- Perfume Genius - "Slip Away" (2017)
- serpentwithfeet - "bless ur heart" (2018)
- FKA Twigs - "Cellophane"[27] (2019)
- Björk - "Ancestress" (2022)
- Eartheater - "Crushing" (2023)
- Sasami - "Honey Crash" (2024)
- Yaeji - "Pondeggi" (2025)
- Katseye - "Gabriela" (2025)
Short films
- Doll Face (2005)[28]
- Solipsist (2012)
- Interstice (2016)
- Flesh Nest (2017)
- Kiss of the Rabbit God (2019)[29]
- Lily Chan and The Doom Girls (2020)
- Tiger Girl (2020)
- The Deer of Nine Colors (2025)
Awards
- Nominee at Annecy International Animated Film Festival for Doll Face (2006)
- Winner of "Best SciFi Super Short Film" at Shriekfast (2009)
- Winner of "Best Film - Super Short" at Shriekfast (2009)
- Nominee for "Best Music Video" at Grammy's for "Cellophane" by FKA twigs (2020)