In 2024, I moved to Ottawa, where I continues to explore my artistic journey and I am currently a member of Arteast Ottawa, Urban Sketchers Ottawa and the Ottawa Plein Air Painters, collaborating with fellow artists and engaging with the community.
Loneliness and Nostalgia of Immigrant Life… Korean Canadian Artist Kim Byeongkil’s Solo Exhibition
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reported by Hee-gyeong Hwang — Korean Canadian artist Kim Byeongkil will hold a solo exhibition at Shin Sang Gallery in Insadong, Seoul, starting from the 28th of May.
This is his 11th solo exhibition in Canada, and it marks his return to Korea after leaving 16 years ago.
Since immigrating to Canada in 2009, the artist has been creating ‘mindscapes’—his own unique landscapes—depicting Canada’s majestic nature and the warm scenery of Korea on canvas.
Self-taught, he uses recycled materials such as discarded cardboard boxes, sawdust, and newspapers by attaching them to the canvas or using forks and knives to create distinctive textures. He also incorporates colors from coffee, curry, and red pepper powder into his works.
His artworks are autobiographical, expressing longing for his homeland, love for family, and the joys and sorrows of life. This exhibition features pieces that reflect the loneliness and nostalgia of immigrant life.
The artist stated, “I especially hope that my works will bring warmth and encouragement to immigrants living abroad who are away from their hometowns.”
The exhibition runs until June 2nd.
zitrone@yna.co.kr
Hee-gyeong Hwang (zitrone@yna.co.kr)
Reporter profile: Yonhap News Hee-gyeong Hwang