VCA2025

Shannon Guo

Advanced Diploma
2025

Shannon Guo (she/her) is a Toronto-based multimedia artist who explores the intersectionality between feminism, identity, and cultural diaspora. A former political science and law student, Shannon transitioned to the arts to pursue her passion for storytelling through a diverse range of mediums, including but not limited to oil painting and traditional Chinese painting.

Instagram: @noon_doodles

Baba Yaga's Tower

Baba Yaga's Tower

by Shannon Guo

Baba Yaga’s Tower is inspired by slavic folklore and the Clocktower in Tbilisi, Georgia. A structure located deep in the woods, it is but one interpretation of what Baba Yaga’s hut would look like. A character both loved and feared, the tower echoes her extreme dichotomy by appearing off-kilter, moments from toppling over; nonetheless standing firm.

Pen on Arnheim Paper

11” x 29¾” or 28x75 cm

Bedtime Stories

Bedtime Stories

by Shannon Guo

Bedtime Stories is a piece commenting on the effects of intergenerational trauma and the different challenges each generation faces. Depicted is a child’s imagination on what it means to be gunned down by an imperial Japanese fighter plane during their invasion of China throughout the 1940’s.

Oil paint on unstretched canvas

63 ”x 36” or 160 x 91 cm

Dissociation

Dissociation

by Shannon Guo

Dissociation visualizes the sensation of disconnection. The head and the face, arguably the most important manifestation of the self, is violently crossed out. Disconnected from the body, emotions, and time, this piece asks: are you still human?

Ink on Arnheim paper and unstretched canvas

11” x 15” or 28 x 38 cm/13” x 16¼” or 33 x 41 cm

Do Not Ignore Me

Do Not Ignore Me

by Shannon Guo

Do Not Ignore Me is a culmination of Guo's difficulties in dealing with her depressive symptoms. Through music, mark-making, and repetitive processes, she forces herself to dig into the uncomfortable emotions that bubbles below the surface.

Acrylic on stretched canvas

5'5" x 6' or 165 x 183 cm

Protector from the East

Protector from the East

by Shannon Guo

Protector from the East is one half of the Protector series. Although each experience is different, growing up as the child of immigrant parents presents a unique moment of intersectionality: in which, if any, culture do they belong? The dragon in Chinese culture symbolizes good luck and protection. Using traditional Chinese painting techniques, Protector from the East is an exploration of Guo’s connection with her ethnicity and culture.

Chinese ink on rice paper

13½” x 54” or 34 x 137 cm

Protector from the West

Protector from the West

by Shannon Guo

Protector from the West is the other half of the Protector series. Although each experience is different, growing up as the child of immigrant parents presents a unique moment of intersectionality: in which, if any, culture do they belong? The angel in Christianity represents guidance and protection. Using techniques inspired from the sublime, Protector of the West is an exploration of Guo’s connection with her nationality.

Oil painting on stretched canvas

24” x 30” or 61 x 76 cm