Simone Gao was born in Beijing, where she was raised in the middle of a historical district adjacent to ancient royal palaces and deeply influenced by the art of traditional Chinese Xieyi style.

She has developed a unique art style merging traditional Chinese ink, surrealism, and abstract expressionism. Presently living between Beijing and New York, Simone seeks to be challenged by artistic ideas, adventures, and surprises. Her art is inspired by classical piano, dances, and moments in travels. Speaking at least four languages, the artist expresses her art using the myriad subtleties of each language and those of the universal spirit that makes all of us human beings. 

 Simone's new art novel, A Somnambulist Gallery is a record of an artistic and romantic journey through diverse civilizations and cultures. From the light and lightness of the world’s busiest cities to the chatters of small towns, the reader is taking to uncharted territories with endless encounters, each reflecting the rich landscape of the world and sophisticated mindscape of the author