Sookkyung Park
Blooming
April 8–April 30, 2023

Sookkyung Park believes that one small seed is the source, from which a new living organism is born. This work was created to convey the notion that we always live with hope and our lives will bear abundant fruit just as the roots of a plant grow endlessly. Using white traditional paper, viewers can clearly see how the paper textures are interconnected. This is to show how the roots of a tree are connected to each other.

In addition, the jellyfish shape, which is made of numerous thinly cut papers in rainbow colors emphasizes the message of hope like a flower seed that spreads far. Small origami lotus flowers made in different colors represent the diversity of our community, just as everyone in the Greater Community lives in harmony with each other in order to strike a balance. Each form is connected with silk thread to create a moving sculpture.

About the artist:

Sookkyung Park established an Arts & Crafts studio in 1982 and maintained the studio for 25 years in South Korea. In 2011, she emigrated to the U.S. in her 50’s and received a B.A. in Studio Arts from University of Maryland, College Park in 2016. After graduating, she joined the HMAA GW (Han-Mee Artists Association of the Great Washington DC). She was selected in several regional and international juried exhibitions. Her works have been featured in many publications, including The Washington Post, The Korea Times, East City Art, Bmore Art, MAP, WSG news, AA&CC, Maryland State Arts Council and etc. She was awarded the Best Award twice from the CAGO (Contemporary Art Gallery Online) for 3-D Category Part in 2020 and 2021. Park is currently the Member of Washington Sculptors Group, President of the HMAA GW and TU MFA Candidate in 2023.