Shirui Tao | 陶诗蕊

Shirui Tao is an interdisciplinary artist and emerging creative arts therapist whose work blends psychology, philosophy, multicultural perspectives, and contemporary art. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, and with a cross-cultural background rooted in Chinese heritage, Shirui holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland and is completing a Master in Creative Arts Therapy at Whitecliffe. Her practice is influenced by Chinese cultural traditions, Western art theories, postmodern feminist thought, and Indigenous healing models, centering on themes of identity, embodiment, and spiritual connection.

Shirui’s research explores art’s potential for self-discovery and healing, focusing on identity, cultural recognition, and spiritual awareness—especially for immigrants and marginalized communities. Integrating concepts from psychoanalysis, existentialism, and humanistic psychology, she examines how art can serve as a platform for resilience, offering individuals pathways for expressing complex emotions and reclaiming aspects of the self.

In her role as an art therapist in training, Shirui is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where cultural and gender identities are explored and respected. She considers how cultural beliefs and spiritual practices influence personal and collective identity, bridging these through art to foster shared understanding and healing. Her work includes creating immersive, reflective environments through installation art, sculpture, video, and photography—spaces that invite introspection and a deeper engagement with spiritual and psychological themes.

Shirui’s commitment to community engagement extends to her role at Māpura Studios, where she supports youth art therapy programmes and contributes to art education. In 2024, she founded SR Arts Studio in Auckland’s Parnell district, hosting workshops that connect deeply with the community and offer accessible therapeutic art experiences for diverse groups. Through these initiatives, she merges her research with practical outreach, promoting art as a transformative tool for personal growth and social impact.

As she continues to explore the intersections of art, psychology, and spirituality, Shirui is passionate about art’s ability to foster empathy, healing, and self-understanding, inviting audiences to connect with the complexities of the human experience and their shared potential for transformation.