Temple
Mindy Solomon is pleased to introduce the work of Shuling Guo. Minimal, soft, colorful and uniquely feminine, each work conveys multiple layers of Shuling’s life journey.
“My work underwent a transformation following my experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. These physical and emotional changes sharpened my awareness of the body and self as vessels of both vulnerability and strength. I became drawn to themes and actions of growing, splitting, stitching, and healing.
The works emerge from memories of specific moments—holding my grandmother’s hand as she passed away, giving birth, and cradling my newborn daughter. At the same time, they address broader themes of transformation and regeneration, exploring how fragility can be a source of resilience and renewal.
My visual language is deeply shaped by my upbringing in Chaoshan, China, and my more recent experiences living in the United States. I draw inspiration from diverse sources: the vivid imagery of Chaoshan temple murals and statues, known for their symmetrical structures, bold colors, and intricate narratives; the layered symbolism of medieval religious iconography; and Emily Dickinson’s Herbarium, a botanical collection she compiled during her time at Amherst Academy. The dried flowers preserved by Dickinson, with their resemblance to wounded and aging bodies, evoke a sense of decay and renewal that resonates deeply with my work. Together, these influences reflect cycles of beauty, decline, and rebirth, informing my exploration of life, death, and the enduring vitality of the body as a ‘temple.’”
Combining works on paper as well as paintings on canvas, Guo’s work feels both holy and joyous. Some of her pieces were done while living on a boat during the year. They reflect glorious sunsets and sunrises with a gentility and appreciation for the bounties of nature. We look forward to sharing the energy of these works with the Miami audience.
About Shuling Guo
Guo graduated from the Oil Painting Department of China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing (B.F.A.) in 2010. She moved to the United States in 2019, and currently lives between Philadelphia and aboard the Sailing Vessel Selkie. In 2012, she had her first solo exhibition in Beyond Art Space in Beijing. Since then, her work has been exhibited in New York, Beijing, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Platform Art.
Her works have been included in the permanent collections of Central Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum (Beijing) and Art Museum of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts (Guangzhou). Her work has been selected to appear in New American Paintings, 2025 Issue 172.
