Susan Villanueva-de Guzman, known artistically as Zoo-Sun, is a Filipino contemporary artist and design educator whose career brings together more than four decades of creative practice, teaching, and mentorship. Her work explores cultural identity, human connection, and belonging, shaped by her experiences living and working among diverse communities in the United Arab Emirates.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, and a Master of Education in Online and Distance Learning from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She is pursuing a PhD in Educational Management at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, continuing her commitment to lifelong learning.

Her teaching career began in 1985 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, where she taught advertising, printing technology, visual techniques, and design. She joined the Higher Colleges of Technology in 1996, initially working as a graphic designer before becoming a lecturer in applied media. Across 30 years at HCT, she mentored Emirati learners in graphic design, packaging, editorial design, and creative studio practice, drawing on her professional experience in advertising and publishing.

Her educational contributions extend to skills development and international competitions. As a Chief Expert for EmiratesSkills and a mentor and trainer, she supported UAE participation in GCCSkills, WorldSkills Asia, and WorldSkills competitions, helping young designers develop their capabilities and confidence on an international stage.

Susan’s exhibition history includes EXPO 2020 Dubai and World Art Dubai 2025. Her works KATA I and KATA II were exhibited at Museo sa Konsulado at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. Exploring the relationship between “you and me,” these works honour migrant workers whose individual journeys, cultural roots, and contributions build communities within communities.

Her current exhibition, ONENESS, is presented at IKKA, Hyatt Centric Hotel, Dubai, from 16 October to 15 November 2026. It continues her exploration of shared humanity, cultural exchange, and the connections that bring people together.

Her recognitions include the Contemporary Visual Artist Excellence Award from Prime Group in 2026, Artist of the Year from The Filipino Times, and recognition by Illustrado among the Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf.

Through her art, teaching, and mentorship, Susan creates opportunities for dialogue and discovery, encouraging others to recognise the value of their stories and their capacity to contribute creatively to the world.

As an artist, Susan’s practice explores culture, identity, and movement, and often reflected in her expressive brushwork and vibrant mural compositions.