As an artist, exhibition planner, and former kindergarten director, I have dedicated myself to bringing about positive change through art, firmly grounded in my belief in its therapeutic power, based on my diverse professional experiences. From 2008 to 2022, I served as a kindergarten director, focusing on fostering children’s creativity and emotional development through art education. In my role as the head of the Art Therapy Research Centre affiliated with Ireum Kindergarten, I implemented various art therapy programs aimed at helping children express themselves and understand their inner emotions through artistic exploration. Since 2013, I have actively promoted the importance of art therapy as the Public Relations Director for the Korean Association of Art Therapy in Mental Health and as a member of the Steiner Art Therapy Association, SAPA. My experience as an art therapist extends to various institutions, including the Department of Psychiatry at Catholic University’s St. Vincent’s Hospital, Gyeonggi Provincial Yongin Psychiatric Hospital (2015-2017), Blue Sol Alternative School (2014-2017), and the National Youth Centre (2014).
Education and Training
I completed the EFT externship courses in Ottawa and Washington and undertook the Facilitator Training Program at the Arts Society Asian Network in Japan. Additionally, I have undergone several Anthroposophical Art Therapy courses at the Artaban Kunsttherapie School in Germany and completed an internship in communication and art therapy at Community Housing and Therapy in London. These international educational and training experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of art therapy and extensive practical expertise in the field.
Major Activities and Exhibitions
Throughout my career as an artist, I have actively participated in numerous exhibitions, continuing to expand my artistic practice. In 2014, I held my second solo exhibition at Nosong Gallery and organized and contributed artwork to the Gwangjang Art Festival. During the same year, I provided video works for a special project on sexual violence prevention for Korea’s educational broadcasting system, EBS. In 2017, I participated in the Women’s Three-Person Exhibition at Dongguk University (Deulimi Museum of Art, Ganghwa Island), conducted PTSD prevention and healing programs in the disaster-stricken area of Pohang, and served as the art therapist for the winter training camp of KJ Golf Junior Athletes hosted by the Choi Kyung-joo Foundation in Guangzhou. After relocating to Abu Dhabi, I contributed to the exhibition at the RAK Arts Fine Festival in 2024.
Philosophy as an Artist
As an artist, I value the deep exploration of the inner self, using my artwork as a means of expression. By blending traditional techniques of Western painting with modern sensibilities, I engage with a wide array of themes, aiming to foster meaningful communication with my audience. My works are deeply rooted in personal experiences and emotions, through which I aspire to deliver messages of empathy and healing. A significant focus of my work revolves around mental health, where I endeavor to encourage individuals to reflect on their inner worlds and articulate their emotions through art.
Role as an Exhibition Planner
As an exhibition planner, I am committed to addressing social issues through art, providing fresh perspectives to the public. I am particularly focused on raising awareness of the healing power of art through exhibitions centered on mental health. By collaborating with various artists, I hope to curate impactful exhibitions and highlight the importance of art therapy, especially through showcases of works by individuals with mental disabilities. Through these efforts, I aim to emphasize the crucial role of mental health and the therapeutic potential of art while reinforcing art’s significance within society.
Moving forward, I remain steadfast in my dedication to my role as an artist and exhibition planner, striving to utilize my extensive experience to offer healing and solace to individuals through the power of art.
Q1. Could you share your plans or activities you intend to pursue with KUACA after having relocated to the UAE?
As a recently relocated artist in the UAE, I plan to actively collaborate with the KUACA Art Content Association while continuing my artistic endeavors. My primary objective is to harmonize my artistic philosophy with the UAE’s cultural and artistic environment, focusing on exploring the intersection of traditional and contemporary art forms within this region. I intend to create works that resonate with both the local and international audiences.
Additionally, I plan to organize exhibitions and workshops in collaboration with local artists and cultural institutions in the UAE, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of art. Through these initiatives, I hope to contribute to the flourishing art scene in the Middle East and introduce art therapy practices that benefit a broader audience, particularly within the fields of mental health and education.
Q2. You have long dedicated yourself to art education through art therapy programs, helping children express themselves and understand their inner emotions. Can art therapy be equally effective for adults?
Although my experience has primarily been focused on children, art therapy is highly effective for adults as well. The principles of art therapy—exploring emotions, reducing stress, and fostering personal growth through creative expression—are universally applicable, regardless of age. In fact, adults grappling with complex emotions, trauma, or mental health challenges can derive significant benefits from art therapy. I believe that well-designed programs can empower adults to unlock their creative potential and achieve deeper self-awareness and emotional healing.
Q3. Could you share your impressions and inspirations from your participation in the 2024 RAK Arts Fine Festival?
Participating in the 2024 RAK Arts Fine Festival was an immensely inspiring experience. The festival offered a unique platform to engage with a diverse audience and present my work in a new cultural context. Interacting with artists and art enthusiasts from various backgrounds provided me with a wealth of perspectives and ideas.
One of the key inspirations I drew from the festival was the deep connection between art and community within the UAE. The event highlighted the role of art as a bridge between different cultures, serving as a medium for dialogue and understanding. This experience reinforced my commitment to creating art that not only reflects personal narratives but also addresses broader social and cultural themes.
Q4. Based on your extensive international education and experience in art therapy through countries such as Japan, the US, Germany, and the UK, could you share any upcoming workshops you plan to conduct that facilitate interactions with Muslim culture and art?
Drawing on my extensive education and experience, I plan to develop workshops that integrate the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Muslim world with art therapy practices. These workshops will explore how traditional Islamic art forms, such as calligraphy, geometric patterns, and miniature painting, can be utilized as tools for therapeutic expression and healing.
The workshops will provide both practical experience and theoretical insights for practitioners and participants interested in art therapy, examining how Islamic art traditions can enrich and adapt art therapy practices. By fostering such cross-cultural exchanges, I aim to deepen the understanding of art as a universal language of healing and promote communication that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
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