Korean artists bring colour and creativity into Scarborough

In case you’re looking for a way to spend the 12 days of Christmas, 12 Korean artists have opened their exhibit at Cedar Ridge Gallery for the holidays. The display showcases a variety of art including traditional crafts, oil paintings and mixed media.

On Dec. 6, about 40 people attended the opening reception. Visitors mingled with artists, eating Korean snacks and talking about the exhibit.

“I find it very interesting, especially the colourful combinations,” local resident Irmgard Hondyk said. “There’s a lot of variety and though I’m not a painter or artist I enjoy it very much.”

Hondyk, a regular visitor, said she liked the watercolour paintings the best. But the exhibit offers something for all tastes. The gallery is adorned with each artist’s characteristic work of art, presenting abstracts, still lifes and portraits.

“I chose these 12 artists because each person has a different character and a different style,” exhibit organizer Bok Yun Kim said.

“Our art is a combination of oriental and western art,” Kim said. “You can see it in the mix of colour and shape.”

Artist C. C. Yun explained she can’t avoid the influence of her Korean background but it’s human relations that truly inspire her.

“People’s interaction is very interesting and art allows me to interpret it,” Yun said. “Through my oil paintings I can simplify many complex concepts.”

According to Kim the goal of the artistic partnership is to let artists communicate feeling and captivate viewers visually. He also chose this time of year because it’s festive and he wanted to celebrate Toronto’s Korean artists.

The display ends on Dec. 18. Visiting is free.

“Every two weeks the gallery has a new exhibit and residents should take advantage of that,” Hondyk said. “It’s always good to have a cultural and art hub in your community.”

The 12 artists include: Jennica Kim, Hee ja Kim; C.C. Yun, Kwangeui Chang; Eunah Cho; Insoon Hyun; Joonghyung Cho, Yookyung Cha; Youngsun Lee; Bok Yun Kim; Joo Hee Chang and Seung Yun Im.

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By: Monica Valencia
Posted: Dec 10 2009 7:14 pm
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Filed under: Arts & Life
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