GUO FAZHAN: A SENSE OF HOMEGROWN ROMANCE
WRITTEN BY Naomi Lo
12.04.2025
Portraits at artist’s studio, courtesy Guo Fazhan
Shenyang (瀋陽), a bustling metropolis in Northern China brims with charm. From a dizzying array of culinary delights, century-old culture to fresh air that weaves into the fabric of this bewitching city, life of 8 million residents is never deadening, including Chinese painter Guo Fazhan. Her work captures the nuanced lifestyle of Northern China through silk paintings, each piece exudes a translucent, candy-tonal haze that dissolves the nonchalance of local living. In her recent collection “土味情話” (Homegrown Romance), she begins with a fondness for old-time nostalgia, and swiftly unfurls into a generational ode to home culture, inviting us to rethink the beauty of the mundane.
For those who haven’t known you, could you introduce yourself?
My name is Guo Fazhan (@developmentgfz). I was born in Liaoning province in China. I studied Chinese painting for my bachelor and MA at LuXun Academy of Fine Arts. Silk is an emblematic medium of my work. Through this, I am expressing the beauty of local living and the dialogue with it.
Your work is about discovering and appreciating the local charm. How do you define living in Shenyang? And how do you romanticize a mundane living?
“土味情話” (loosely translated to “Homegrown Romance”) was the theme of my last exhibition. For me, this phrase encapsulates the epitome of local living— passionate, confident, and bewitching are words I would describe the beauty of every life, and similarly, the dynamic spirit of Northeast China.
Everyone is an "artist" in their own life. I enjoy contemplating at decorative elements in daily life. Whether it is a landscape painting, a zesty bed linen, or kaleidoscopic neon signs on the streets, these details reflect people’s taste of living. Such local essence is called "root," which sparked the epiphany in pursuing this thematic series.
Local living has always been around us, even if we often overlook its beauty. I believe that grassroot culture is the most authentic and emotionally resonant part of our lives. This is why I want to document these hidden gems and romanticize living.
Portraits at artist’s studio, courtesy Guo Fazhan
Your portraits on silk evokes a sense of Eastern aesthetic with Western harmony. In particular, the piece “The pure beauty” features a Kitty motif that resonates with Gen Z. What are your thoughts on this piece?
My artwork reflects the current lifestyle and psychological state of the younger generation, particularly the "girlie" sensibility that many girls embrace. Hello Kitty serves as a potent symbol in this context. In my piece, The pure beauty, I drew inspiration from the "hottie" makeup and facial tattoos popular among young women today, capturing their subversive and vibrant allure. My message here is to encourage free expression in youth while revealing our inner pursuit of love and beauty.
Your 2023 series "Love letter" capture the essence of local living using silk-made lightboxes, whereas the translucence of the silk invites viewers to peek into the life within each box. What other messages does this series convey?
《清澈美人》, 135 x 135cm, ink and colour on silk, 2024
The translucency of silk gives me tremendous inspiration for how I present my work, it’s truly why I’m so drawn to it. I’m always eager to create something "behind" it, envisioning silk as a window. The spatial dimensionality of silk evokes a sense of allusion in my work, allowing viewers to peer through its hazy layer and embrace life’s ambiguity. This is how I capture fleeting moments of life.
For those who are not familiar with silk, could you walk us through your working process?
《紹芳》, 46 x 46 cm, ink and colour on silk, lightbox, 2023
Silk painting is a form of traditional Chinese art made from silk fabric, woven from silk yarn, intricate weaving details can be seen upon closer look. Although the material is very light and airy, colouring is a meticulous process that requires effort to achieve depth and dimensionality.
《北海公園》, 147 x 147cm, ink and colour on silk, 2024
What is the most romantic thing in your life?
I’m deeply captivated by the aesthetics of the 80s and 90s. There’s something about nostalgic items that feels more palpable when compared to modern life, imbued with sensibility and genuine emotional depth. Even now, I find myself moved by knick knacks from that era. From decor, curtains to clocks, you can sense a vitality permeating everything, from fashion to culture. It’s a kind of old-time romance that no longer exists today.
What is your next creative plan?
I’m going to stick with my current aesthetic style depicting local humanity. For my next few pieces, I’m planning to explore different perspectives, like peeking into little moments of daily life and emotions through a window.