Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Kang.
Nicole, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have been drawing since my early youth and using art to live freely in my imagination. I was born in California but spent a few years of my childhood in the suburb of Seoul, Korea. When my family relocated to the states, I was split in my ethnic background and identity – never feeling fully Korean nor American. It was confusing navigating my youth, having to make new friends in places that often did not have an Asian presence. As I grew older, my family moved further heading towards the east coast. Throughout elementary, middle and high school, I found my identity in art class where I excelled and felt the most confident.
In my junior year of high school, my mother was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of Leukemia. The illness disrupted my whole family’s life. Despite our efforts, hopes and prayers, my mother lost her battle to cancer just a few months after her 50th birthday. Losing my mother destroyed any desire to create art for five years. In those years, I completed my college education at Oglethorpe University and began working at Alliance Theatre. Although I was not actively making art, I was taking in inspiration from local artists, actors, and musicians. After some healing, I returned to creating art in 2016. My first piece was a portrait of a mother and a child. Since then, I have been consistently producing new works with the support of my friends, family, and the local Atlanta creative community. I am now happily married and currently living right by SunTrust Park.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Most recently, I started exploring the subject of sisterhood in my new series called, “Land of Milk and Honey.” The series is deeply personal and will touch on the topic of family ties, love, spirituality, and grief. Some imagery and pattern work are inspired by traditional Korean paintings. Art is my way to celebrate, empower, and honor those whose stories need to be shared. I want my works to be a point of connection and relation.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
My works reflect my personal experiences but they are also direct responses to events that happen in the world today. History shows that artists have always been political and have used art as a platform to speak out boldly. I feel compelled more than ever to showcase my paintings as a woman of color and as a child of immigrants. Art has the capability of expanding understanding and compassion.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can view my works on my Instagram page at @notnicolekang or on my website at nicolekang.com. I was recently a part of a group show called “Posed” at Facet Gallery. My painting is available for view until the end of the month.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://nicolekang.com
- Email: nicolekang4@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notnicolekang/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleKangArt/
Image Credit:
Nicole Kang
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