ZHEN
GUO

Zhen Guo was born in Rizhao, Shandong, China, and has become a prominent figure in the world of contemporary art. Her artistic education began at the Fine Arts Department of Shandong Art School, graduating in 1976, followed by her graduation from the China Academy of Art in 1982 where she later taught. Her journey brought her to the United States in 1986 to study at the San Francisco Art College and further expanded her horizon as a scholar at York University College of Art in Canada in 1987. In 1988, she established Zhen Guo Art Studio in New York, marking the beginning of her profound influence on international female ink art.

Zhen Guo’s early life and artistic development were deeply intertwined with the Cultural Revolution in China, which shaped both the content and the delivery of her early works. Despite facing significant challenges, including her father’s political troubles which limited her early education, Guo’s resilience led her to pursue art through self-education and formal schooling later on. Her experiences in China’s rural settings, learning sewing and working in a clothing factory, laid the foundational elements of her later works which heavily incorporate traditional Chinese textiles and patterns.

Transitioning to life in the United States, Guo’s art evolved to reflect her new experiences and insights into feminism and feminist art. Her work boldly explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the female experience, often provoking thought and challenging societal norms. This narrative is not just a tale of artistic evolution but also a profound journey of personal growth and empowerment. Her art is not only a reflection of her life’s struggles and triumphs but also a commentary on broader cultural and social dynamics.

I view my art as a conduit for expressing the inexpressible — the tangled web of emotions, thoughts, and experiences that define our human experience. In my studio in London, surrounded by my chosen medium of acrylics, I embark on a creative process that is both introspective and expansive. Each piece begins with a feeling or idea that evolves, through layers of paint and varied techniques, into a visual narrative that invites interpretation and reflection.

My artistic journey is one of perpetual exploration and discovery. I am fascinated by the interplay of colors and textures, and how these elements can evoke memories, emotions, and thoughts. Through my work, I aim to connect with others, sharing a piece of my world while inviting viewers to find their own meanings and connections within the canvas.

Art, for me, is also about innovation — pushing boundaries, experimenting with new methods, and continually learning and evolving. I draw inspiration from the world around me, from the bustling streets of London to the serene beauty of nature, integrating these influences into my work. It is my hope that my art not only captures the viewer’s eye but also sparks conversation, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the nuanced beauty of our world.

Education:

• BFA, Fine Arts Department, Shandong Art School, 1976
• Graduate, China Academy of Art, 1982

Exhibitions:

• “Existence” International Women’s Art Exhibition, Changsha, China, 2019
• “Please Touch, Body Boundary” Mona Museum of Contemporary Art, USA
• “Exhibition of Asian Female Artists”, Jeonbukdo Museum of Art, Korea
• “Identity Crisis,” Royal Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, 2019
• “Ink and Things,” Wuhan Art Museum, Wuhan, PRC, 2019-2020
• “Subversive Stitch,” White Box Art Space, New York, NY, 2019
• “Antidote,” Mykonos Biennale, Mykonos, Greece, 2019
• “Lotus Paintings,” Biennale Art History Invitational, Shanghai, 2018
• “A Woman Abreast,” Solo Show, Amerasia Art Gallery, New York, NY, 2017

Awards:

• Berlin Art Innovator Award, 2019
• Best Abstract Artist, Amsterdam Art Festival, 2020

As Featured In:

• AATONAU
• Booooooom
• Colossal