Zoe Sijia Guo 郭思嘉

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.

My work is a journey of self-discovery, meant for personal reflection and interpretation. It captures the transformative process of embracing fluidity and flexibility, breaking free from rigidity, and cultivating a more authentic identity. It invites viewers to explore and feel the artwork in their own way.

I began my journey as a silent observer during my childhood, struggling with self-expression. My experiences, defined by my upbringing in China, the school's suppression of my local dialect, my mother's fight against breast cancer, and father's subsequent absence post my mother's recovery, have all shaped my understanding of my place in the world. Compounded by my mother's post-mastectomy physical limitations and my subsequent move to Japan, I grappled with feelings of dislocation and alienation. Now, I acknowledge that if I was still in China, I wouldn't be the person I am today. My process of adapting to new environments, the initial discomfort, and the eventual appreciation of beauty in these different spaces, has moulded my world view. This challenging, yet enlightening metamorphosis has afforded me a profound understanding of myself and the world around me. From my past experiences and my current circumstances, I draw strength, reflecting these deeply personal narratives into my work.