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Whispers of the Timeless: An Exhibition by Sungmi Kong
Blue fish Black hole, whispers of timeless exhibition, sungmi kong

January 18, 2025

About the Exhibition

“Whispers of the Timeless”: An Exhibition by Sungmi Kong
Dates: April 1st – 26th, 2025

We invite you to join us for this artist reception on:
Saturday, April 5th, 2025
Reception: 2 – 4 pm
Artist Talk: 3 pm

For more information, contact [email protected].

Art has a unique way of transcending the boundaries of time, weaving connections between past, present, and future. Whispers of the Timeless is an exploration of these intersections, offering an immersive journey through moments that linger beyond their origins. This solo exhibition builds on the themes of my previous work, including the acclaimed Blue Fish, expanding its narrative with a deeper focus on the intangible essence of time.

In Blue Fish, I explored the interplay between fragility and resilience, using the motif of water to represent life’s fluidity and adaptability. Whispers of the Timeless takes this exploration further, delving into the ephemeral yet enduring qualities of existence. The works on display invite viewers to pause and reflect on how fleeting moments can leave a lasting impression, much like whispers echoing through eternity.

The exhibition is structured around three thematic pillars:

Echoes of the Past
These pieces delve into memory and nostalgia, capturing the beauty of experiences that have shaped us. Layers of texture and intricate details reflect how memories evolve over time, blending clarity with abstraction.

Fleeting Present
The present is fleeting, yet it holds immense power. This section of the exhibition emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment. Dynamic strokes and vibrant hues convey a sense of movement and energy, reminding viewers to embrace the now.

Timeless Futures
The final segment shifts its gaze forward, exploring themes of hope and continuity. The works here are lighter, with an ethereal quality that suggests the limitless potential of the future.

Throughout the exhibition, recurring motifs such as water, light, and natural elements connect the works, symbolizing continuity and transformation. The use of a muted yet layered palette invites viewers to immerse themselves in the subtle complexities of each piece, echoing the intricacies of life itself.

Whispers of the Timeless also draws inspiration from nature’s ability to endure and adapt, reflecting the resilience inherent in both the natural world and human spirit. This connection to nature is not only a visual theme but also a philosophical underpinning, reminding us of our shared connection to the earth and its rhythms.

This exhibition is more than a display of art; it is an invitation to explore your own relationship with time. As you walk through space, I encourage you to consider the moments that have defined your past, the fleeting beauty of the present, and the infinite possibilities of the future.

In a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming, Whispers of the Timeless offers a sanctuary—a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the rhythms of life. May these works serve as a reminder that while time is ever-moving, its whispers remain, guiding us in ways both profound and subtle.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you and hope that these pieces resonate with your own timeless moments.

Pictured: Blue fish Black hole, by Sungmi Kong, Pigments, stone powder, metal powder on Wooden panel

About the Artist

Sungmi Kong is a Korean-Canadian who was born in Korea and immigrated to Canada in 2010. She majored in Korean painting at Dong-duk Women’s University and graduated in 2000. Since 2015, she has been actively working as a Korean painting painter, participating in various exhibitions in Canada.

Sungmi is best known for her unique Korean traditional folk-art artist using Korean ‘Hanji-paper’ and instructor, which have often been exhibited throughout the Greater Toronto Area for the past few years and getting well recognized. She has conducted numerous exhibitions to introduce Korean traditional paintings to Koreans and Canadians living in Canada, earning awards through these displays.

In 2018, she was selected as one of three Canadian artists for a documentary film project. The project, titled the Healing Art Project, depicted the challenging experiences of Syrian refugees and the process of creating portraits for them. This project resulted in the Healing Portraits Project, an award-winning television documentary in Canada by the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA).

Blue fish Festival Morning
Blue fish Festival Morning, by Sungmi Kong, Pigments, stone powder, metal powder on Wooden panel
Riverdale Hub Gallery

The Riverdale Hub houses numerous gallery spaces, located on the first, second, and third floors of the community center building. The Riverdale Hub Gallery is dedicated to employing the transformative power of art to engage Toronto’s east-end community, connect with other communities across the city, and provide a platform for local, national, and global conversations.

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