A graduate of the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, Gao is one of the most versatile artists of his generation, being equally skilled in painting, sculpture, installation and performance art. Across this wide range of media, Gao's works share the common intent to challenge the audience's preconceived ideas and accustomed visual language, often with wry humour and irony. Gao received the Art Futures Award at Art HK in 2011.