GUOGUO ART

Bergen's waters and wool have shaped the city's past and continue to inspire its future. In this exhibition, I combine elements of nature, history, and industry to reflect Bergen's unique identity through my artworks. From wool-felted fish to acrylic paintings and metal net installations, the exhibition explores the dialogue between tradition and modernity, with a particular focus on cultural exchange and sustainability.

At the heart of the exhibition is a series of wool-felted fish, paying tribute to Norway's longstanding maritime culture and fishing traditions. Fish such as salmon and cod have been central to the local economy and culture for centuries. Today, Norway is the world's largest producer of farmed salmon, while dried cod has historically sustained many coastal communities. Through the traditional craft of wool-felting, I aim to connect this ancient technique with the contemporary relevance of the fishing industry.

The fish in this series are not limited to marine species but also include freshwater fish like pike and perch. This diversity reflects the rich aquatic ecology of Western Norway and brings the artworks closer to everyday life, such as selecting fresh fish from the Bergen market or imagining fish from children's stories. The wool material symbolizes Norway's traditional craftsmanship, while the choice of fish illustrates the connection between cultural heritage and sustainable practices in modern fisheries.

The newest piece in the wool-felted fish series is a blue-ringed octopus, the largest of all my aquatic creations. Made for a musician friend, this octopus not only captures the captivating beauty of the species but also connects to Bergen's rich musical legacy. Eight different custom miniature drumsticks are placed on each arm of the octopus, symbolizing the rhythm of the ocean and the city's development. The vibrant blue rings convey the dynamic energy of music, echoing the lively atmosphere of Bergen's annual music festivals and the legacy of famous musicians like Edvard Grieg. This piece embodies the fusion of nature and music, reflecting the mystery of the sea alongside Bergen's musical ambiance.

The Blue Wonderment acrylic painting series presents two distinct themes inspired by the city's natural beauty and maritime character. The first theme depicts images of oxen from the Year of the Ox (2021), which coincided with the early stages of the COVID pandemic. These 12 paintings represent different months of the year, symbolizing resilience, perseverance, and individuality. Blue is not only associated with calm, healing, thought, and planning, but also symbolizes Bergen's sky, sea, and a healthy ecological environment.

The second theme focuses on autumn, using cool blue tones to depict autumn leaves, flowers, water, and wind in Bergen's natural landscape. The works encourage viewers to reflect on the relationship between nature and human life, particularly in a city where plants, the ocean, and the climate deeply influence daily life. Here, blue also represents Bergen's continuous dependence on and development of its natural environment, as well as thoughts and plans for the future.

The Viking ship installation conveys the city's deep maritime history while looking toward the future. The ship features a dragon head crafted from wool, inspired by the legendary dragon-headed ships of the Viking era. The wool patterns are based on Celtic knotwork popular during Viking times, symbolizing eternal life and the enduring spirit of cultural traditions.

In Norway, wool has been a part of everyday life for centuries, from traditional hand-knitting to modern sustainable practices. While knitting remains popular, wool-felting is an older craft that I aim to revive in my work, blending ancient techniques with contemporary art. The combination of wool and metal netting in the Viking ship installation symbolizes Bergen's balance between honoring tradition and pursuing innovation.

This exhibition aims to explore the cultural and industrial elements of Bergen, using materials such as wool, color, and metal to present cultural symbols like fish, plants, water, Vikings, and dragons. The combination of these elements showcases the diversity of the city.

I invite you to explore the cultural and industrial threads woven into this exhibition. Whether it's the wool-felted fish honoring Norway's fishing traditions or the Blue Wonderment series reflecting the city's natural beauty, each piece tells its unique story. My art aims to initiate a dialogue between East and West, tradition and modernity, inviting viewers to find meaning in cultural integration, provoke thoughts, or offer a spark of inspiration.