The emblems of Chinese culture and history are apparent in Guan's glass pieces. He's only been working in the field for eight years but he's established a style of his own. He's created two glass series, "Gates" and "Weapon". The works have earned him an international reputation.
Guan said, "The human head figures as the remarkable part of most of my works. The look is typically Chinese. It doesn't represent ancient people. I use it to express a modern idea. In ancient China, rulers cut off the heads of criminals, stuffed the in cages and hung them on gateways. I am trying to adapt that Draconian rule of ancient times, to the discussion of how today's people can open their minds. I've just borrowed the system of punishment from ancient China to explain my thinking about today's social problems."
Guan didn't find his lifetime interest right at the beginning. He took a detour into dyeing and weaving and watercolor painting. In 2000 he was named director of the newly established glass art studio, of the Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts and Design. The program was the first specialty in glass art at a Chinese university. His appointment opened a new horizon.
