Born in 1955 in Nanjing, he graduated from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 1982, he taught there and then at Oil Painting Department of China Central Academy of Fine Arts. He is a member of Chinese Artists' Association and a founder of the Scar Art of Post Cultural Revolution and Sichuan School. His painting "For What" drawn in 1978 and another painting "I Love Oil Field" were put on display at the 1979 National Arts Exhibition and won silver medals. Both the paintings were kept by the National Art Museum of China. In 1985 he moved to America and held solo exhibitions at the invitation of some international leading art organizations, including Pacific Asia Museum of the United States, Springer Museum, Carney Museum and New York Hammer galleries. In 1989 he was the gold medal winner of the 89th Art Exhibition of American CAC. His published works including Gao Xiaohua Portraits and Gao Xiaohua Oil Painting Selection about Yi Minority.