I debated for a while on what to write to close off this amazing year and I decided to settle on the topic of healing.

 

I found the meaning behind the work of Korean Canadian artist, Genie Kim, very touching and a beautiful way to close off my submissions.

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I want to introduce everyone to her work titled “Healing Flowers”; a theme very close to her heart which she began more than 15 years ago. Initially it was titled “I received a flower” but it soon changed its meaning, and you will understand why below.

I asked Ms. Kim to explain the deep meaning behind this theme and her work and I will quote what she said:

“The title of my series is taken from a book written by a psychologist about the true stories of women who suffered oppression and violence against them. Reading that book with sincere pain and anguish, it occurred to me to give to a friend whose soul was scarred, a flower. So, I drew her face, and on her head placed a white porcelain flower.

In truth, in Korean tradition, a woman with a flower on her head signifies madness. But in my case, I place a flower made of white clay -- that is, porcelain. Elsewhere, in Mongolia, the colour white is revered as sacred because it represents mother’s milk. And clay, coming from Earth, is also symbolic of Mother.

 

When we see madness in women, they are very often victims of abuse or have other emotional scars that drive them over the edge. For me, placing a flower made of porcelain on their heads is a paradoxical expression of the healing power of the boundless love personified by Mother.

 

That is how I came to paint and create the series “I received a flower today…” But while the undertones are serious, I wanted to make the works bright and full of spirit - since our lives are worth living in a bright and spirited way!”

 

Since her explanation was so beautiful, I did not want to take any of it away by paraphrasing. When I met with her earlier this year at a different exhibit, she briefly told me about the significance of the flower as I found myself being so drawn to one of her paintings depicting it.

 

The white flower is meant to say, “you are beautiful”, “you are incredibly lovely”, words which are healing in themselves.

Many people carry daily wounds in their lives, and we often can forget the positive effects of flowers or simple aesthetics. We severely undermine the importance of looking at beautiful things or objects in our daily lives or allowing ourselves to be complimented by others. Of course, when I say this, I am fully aware that each one of us perceives beauty differently and I don’t believe there is a set standard for it. She hopes that this art form will give back hope to those who need it and some much-needed healing for everyone in the world.

Let’s all admire her creations and get infused with the healing power of these tiny white flowers.

 

I want to dedicate this last article to the victims and families of the horrific crowd crushing event in Seoul. May they all find some form of healing, even if in the form of a speckle.

 

Thank you so much to all of you for reading my blog and for coming with me on this journey to discover more about Korean culture.

 

 

진심으로 감사드립니다!

 

코리나

 

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#한국문화 #한국예술 #koreanculturalcentercanada #koreanculture #koreanart

 

Photos are courtesy of the artist, Ms. Genie Kim

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You can view her works in person at the upcoming exhibit in Toronto titled “One of a kind show” at the Enercare Centre in Toronto from November 24th to December 4th: https://oneofakindshow.com/home/

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You can also find Ms. Kim on Instagram at: @geniekim_artist and online https://www.geniekim.com/  

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