GuoWei Su’s “Uniforms and Symbols” is Navigating Identity
GuoWei Su emerges as a creative designer whose personal journey mirrors the profound transformations witnessed by his homeland, China. Born at the intersection of old and new China, Su’s life story is intricately woven with the threads of tradition, change, and the evolving symbolism of uniforms.
The concept of the ‘iron rice bowl’ profoundly influenced GuoWei Su’s formative years. Growing up in an era where state-owned enterprise workers, civil servants, and soldiers were venerated, the symbols of uniformed authority held a significant place in his childhood. His grandparents, once soldiers turned workers, and his parents, who embarked on their careers in state-owned enterprises, wore uniforms and leather shoes that not only represented their professions but also carried the weight of societal reverence.
As a child, GuoWei Su found inspiration in these symbols, nurturing dreams of one day becoming a civil servant or a soldier. The uniforms he admired were not just garments; they were emblems of duty, honor, and a stable existence—a stark contrast to the shifting sands of contemporary life.
However, as the tides of change swept across China, the era shifted, and state-owned enterprises began to close their doors. The once-pervasive symbolism of uniforms began to wane, leaving GuoWei Su and his generation grappling with questions of identity and purpose. At the age of 26, standing at the crossroads of his personal and professional life, Su found himself torn between the roles of a designer, a foreign student, and a Chinese national.
In response to this existential struggle, GuoWei Su embarked on a deeply introspective artistic journey: “Uniforms and Symbols.” This project serves as a poignant exploration of identity amid ambiguity, a visual dialogue with the past and present. Su, through his artistry, seeks not only to preserve the fading symbols of his childhood but also to reinterpret them in the context of a rapidly changing world.
The uniforms that once represented stability and tradition now take on new meanings in GuoWei Su’s hands. Through his designs, he breathes new life into these symbols, transforming them into a canvas that reflects the complexity of his personal narrative. The juxtaposition of old and new, tradition and modernity, becomes a central theme in Su’s work, capturing the essence of a generation caught between the echoes of the past and the uncertainties of the future.
“Uniforms and Symbols” is a quest for guidance amid the ambiguity of contemporary life. As he navigates the intricate web of identities GuoWei Su invites viewers to join him on this introspective journey. Through his designs, he encourages a broader conversation about the evolving nature of cultural symbols, personal identity, and the intricate dance between tradition and progress.
GuoWei Su website: www.alexsuguowei.com
