VANCOUVER.- The Museum of Vancouver and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver are presenting In/Flux: Art of Korean Diaspora, a collaborative exhibition featuring works from three Korean-Canadian artists, on display from September 28, 2018 to January 6, 2019. Curated by Jillian Povarchook, Curatorial Associate at MOV, the exhibition features selected works of Jin-me Yoon, Junghong Kim, and Jin Hwa Kim, artists originally from the Republic of Korea now based in the Vancouver area. Carefully curated selections of photography, traditional calligraphy, and ceramics are on display, all conveying, in their own way, the complex and dynamic nature of Canadian art and identity.
"in/flux reminds us that, though the tendency is to think of diaspora as a communal experience, it is also a deeply unique and personal experience,” says exhibition curator, Jillian Povarchook. “People who immigrate adopt and create new traditions that give new shape and meaning to their adopted surroundings. This process is palpable in the work of Jin-me Yoon, Junghong Kim, and Jin Hwa Kim, artists who engage with Korean traditions and history very differently."
Both organizations are thrilled at the idea of strengthening relationships between cultural groups and showcasing art pieces that to Vancouver’s rich cultural landscape. “The Museum of Vancouver is excited to work with the Republic of Korea on this compelling exhibition that highlights traditional and contemporary works from the local Korean community,” says Mauro Vescera, CEO at the Museum of Vancouver. “This collaboration has had very positive impacts on the organization and showcases the progressive culture that defines the Republic of Korea. We look forward to continuing this strong partnership through future initiatives.”
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver also hopes that this story of transformation, which takes place on a variety levels including individual, cultural, and contextual, will portray the multi-layered history of immigration on a more nuanced and connected level. “It is wonderful to present Korean art in multicultural Vancouver. We hope this exhibition connects people and reaches out to all people who live here, beyond the Korean community. Many people in Vancouver share immigration stories, no matter how long their families have been here. You will find a story of yourself, your grandparents, or your grandchildren while walking through the exhibition,” says Gunn Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver.
On a final note the curator believes that beyond artistic expression, "in/flux encourages us to consider the cultural landscape of the Vancouver area as a multicultural hub built by successive and concurrent waves of immigration and uninterrupted occupation by several First Nations."
To complement the exhibition, MOV will offer a host of public programs to further elaborate on the themes of the exhibition, including calligraphy workshops, film screenings and live concerts.
Artists include:
Jin-me Yoon uses photography and video installations to explore questions of place and identity. Selected works featured include Group of Sixty Seven, Touring Home from Away, and it is this/it is that. Jin-me Yoon is also a professor at Simon Fraser University's School for the Contemporary Arts and was recently named to the Royal Society of Canada Fellowship and College in 2018.
Jin Hwa Kim (Baiksuk) has been practicing calligraphy for 75 years to great acclaim in both Korea and Canada. Selected works include large scale scrolls featuring both Chinese and Korean calligraphy.
Junghong Kim is trained in the tradition of Korean celadon pottery. A selection of works spanning his celebrated career are featured including classic examples of celadon and more recent philosophical departures.
