Medium: Mixed Materials (Plaster, wool, expanding foam, wire, newspaper, wood)
Size:176 x 60 cm
created in 2023
Size:176 x 60 cm
created in 2023
Savage One, The One Who Runs Barefoot
The genesis of my recent work was a few old photographs sent by my estranged father. A particular photo sparked a flood of questions and uncertainties. A little girl of four, standing with my parents — was this child really me? The memory of that time in my life is hazy, like a dream, with this photograph serving as the sole tangible evidence of my past in China.
In another photo, my mother had lost all of her hair due to breast cancer treatment, and with a left arm weakened due to a mastectomy, couldn't lift heavy objects anymore. She relied on my help to carry grocery bags after shopping. These experiences, deeply personal and transformative, have shaped my understanding of strength, sacrifice, and the complexities of life, which I explore within my practice.
This explores the path towards growth. It delves into the question of how many steps one must traverse to achieve a state of self-confidence.
The story begins with my mother's courageous battle with breast cancer and the subsequent absence of my father. Following my mother's recovery from surgery, her physical limitations prevented her from lifting heavy objects. These events, combined with my relocation to Japan, fostered a profound sense of not belonging within me. These intricate layers of personal history are intricately woven into my artistic practice. The worn-out wooden ladder becomes a symbol of overcoming adversity. The characters ascending the ladder represent the resilience and strength that emerge from personal growth and self-acceptance.
Through my work, I aim to convey the emotional complexities stemming from these experiences, offering viewers a glimpse into the depths of my journey.
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© Copyright Zoe Sijia Guo
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