China Adams

China Adams is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Roski School of Art & Design. Her practice spans multi-disciplinary art, blending written documentation with object-making, and often incorporates repurposed materials. Since 2009, she has been a dedicated lecturer at USC Roski, while also maintaining an active career as an artist and curator.

Education:

• BFA from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• MFA from University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Research Interests:
Adams’ work examines themes such as secrecy, privacy, and the symbolic representation of landscapes through large-scale drawings. Her recent projects focus on rock walls in Western landscapes, exploring their role as fortresses and their connection to broader symbolic narratives. She merges material experimentation with conceptual inquiry, often highlighting human interaction with environment and space.

Curatorial & Collaborative Work:
In 2018, she coordinated the 'Massage Generated Energy Drawings,' a collaborative project with 80 artists investigating shared positive energy. Her exhibitions, including solo shows at Ace Gallery and Steve Turner Contemporary, have garnered critical acclaim. Works are held in public collections such as the Berkeley Art Museum and Orange County Art Museum.

Advising & Grants:
While no formal advisees or grants are listed, her teaching and curatorial roles at USC Roski School of Art & Design reflect her commitment to nurturing artistic education and community engagement.

Labs & Teams:
Adams collaborated extensively with artists on the 2018 'Massage Generated Energy Drawings' project, demonstrating her involvement in collective artistic endeavors.