“Expressions” Art Exhibition

The Expressions exhibition at Gwangju University is a collaboration of six talented foreign women who are currently residing in Gwangju. The theme “Expressions” came about as an opportunity for each to share their own perspectives on expat living, as well as to express their thoughts on the current global climate, both in public and personal ways. Each artist, with her own creative liberties, was able to reflect and form beautiful revelations for her artwork. Here are some insights and introductions to who these artists are.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com ARTIST ÁINE BYRNE – DUBLIN, IRELAND

(Four mixed-media art pieces)

Route Enroute series: My abstract expressionist works explore the local environment and my experiences as a foreigner in the Jeolla area. The sunsets, complex journeys, barriers, and seoye (서예, the Korean tradition of artistic writing) shed light on the highs and lows experienced by me as a foreigner.

ARTIST DAYNA MABIN

– INDIANA, UNITED STATES

(Three macramé [fiber art] pieces)

The vision for my art in the show centers around the “Expressions” theme of “to be,” and how my emotions and the things that I like have all come together during a time that is so chaotic. This involves learning how to just “be” while also moving through life and what that looks like through my eyes. Emotions ranging from darkness to the glitters of hope that I see each and every day are what I am hoping to portray.

ARTIST KRISTEN BEDASSE

– FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

(Four abstract acrylic pieces on canvas}

I think that living in Korea has allowed me to discover my true artistic style. I love to include line work and botanicals in my abstract pieces to represent my whole growth. In the past, I was always so used to going down a set path I imagined for myself, but I have since learned to just go with the flow, be free, and trust the process.

ARTIST LISA MAY CASAUS

– ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, UNITED STATES

(Three ink and acrylic art pieces)

Art is a natural way to communicate our fears, joys, and confusions, if not to others, then at least to ourselves. For me, there is a lot of this “not knowing.” What do I want to do? Who am I trying to be? And art is a way to stop thinking so much and just see what happens. It might not be completely clear what the result is at the end, but the act of expression is a goal in itself.

ARTIST OLIVIA LAUREL

– BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

(Three series, acrylic on canvas)

For this particular theme, I drew into the emotions that were roaming around inside of me while dealing with the current circumstances of the pandemic. A lot of hopes and dreams in 2020 were dashed, while also having to process living so far away from my family during this time. So, my series does not convey actual images but rather the expression of my emotions through paint. This was a very new concept for me, but it has helped me to see things as they are, accept the new normal, and hope for the best in my future.

ARTIST TAYLA NATASHA BOTHA

– GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA

(Four digitally illustrated pieces [digital media])

My inspiration for this body of work stemmed from a variety of people expressing their feelings and thoughts during the pandemic as well as my own personal experiences throughout. These two sources of inspiration have led to two very contrasting series of works. One series expresses the heaviness of voids, dissociation, and isolation, whilst the other expresses a more positive message of growth and hope during dark times.

Indeed, living during the age of the pandemic has been quite challenging, and exhausting at times. But with the creative outlet of this exhibition, these artists have successfully opened their hearts and minds to the emotional process of it all. The Expressions exhibition will go on from March 10 to 24 with an opening ceremony starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located on the Gwangju University campus at the Hoshim Art Museum on the first floor of the Geukgi-gwan (극기관) building. Please come out and show your support to these lovely artists!

The Author and Exhibition Curator

Olivia Laurel is an English professor at Gwangju University, and along with her passion for teaching, art plays a big role in her life. From a young age, she learned many techniques from her father, who is also an artist. Throughout her life, she has explored creativity in many different mediums and venues in the United States. But during her time in South Korea, she has been able to participate in several different art shows located in Jeonju, Iksan, and Gwangju. She is the curator of the Expressions art exhibition. To follow more of her creative journey, you can find her on Instagram @ gallerybluespot.