Born in Guizhou, Gao Yu graduated from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 2003 with a bachelor's degree. In 2006, he held "Specimen" a solo exhibition in Beijing; and in 2007, a solo exhibition "Five Elements Mountain" in Beijing. He attended the exhibition known as "Ideal of A New Generation–the Chinese New Generation" in He Xiangning Art Museum, Shenzhen in 2004; in 2005 he took part in "The Self-Made Generation - A Retrospective of New Chinese Painting" exhibition in Zendai Moma, Shanghai, "Post 70s - The Generation Changed By the Market" exhibition co-organized by Shanghai Mingyuan Art Center and Beijing Today Art Museum and "Next Station, Cartoon?" exhibition co-organized by Star Gallery and Shenzhen He Xiangning Art Museum; in 2006 he attended "Beyond Experience: New China" exhibition held by Beijing Arario Gallery and Star Gallery's "Naughty Kids" exhibition; he participated in Nokia's art works creation known as "Fashion! The Top One is Prism!".