Congratulations! Artist Contest 2009 Finalists Sing Pong, Chui / Mikiko Kanno / Riwa Narumi / Hayoung Shin / Will Varner
(in alphabetical order by last name)
We thank all the applicants who shared their unique talents with Chopsticks NY. From more than 50 applicants, we chose five artists as final contestants, introduced here. For the second round, we gave them the assignment of creating cover art reflecting two concepts: Setsubun and Travel. Here, we unveil their artworks. You can pick your favorites by voting online from August 1 to 20. Also, we proudly announce that we’ll be holding an exhibition of the final contestants from October 22 to 30.
n Sing Pong, Chui
Mr. Chui is enrolled at Pratt Institute, where he is majoring in industrial design. Before moving to the U.S., he studied graphic design and worked in Hong Kong. In regards to this contest, he explains, “I want to communicate the kind of excitement that I found both in Japan and NY. It is essential to bring a little twist into the ‘known’ Japanese images along with the imagery that New Yorkers are already familiar with.”
n Mikiko Kanno
After graduating from Kyoto University of Art and Design, where she majored in oil painting, Ms. Kanno worked as a graphic designer in Osaka. Her enthusiasm for art made her move to New York. She explores the ways she can incorporate various materials into the oil painting method that she has strong foundation. She admits, “New York City makes me strong and improves my artwork.”
n Riwa Narumi
Ms. Narumi is a freelance illustrator/graphic designer in NY. She received a B.A. from Tama Art University, where she majored in oil painting. Ms. Narumi joined a design company in Tokyo and went on to lead ad projects as an art director. “To me, NY is like a mirror reflecting the culture of each ethnic group. I’d like to express the features of Japanese culture to New Yorkers through my artwork,” says Narumi.
Online Voting From August 1 to 20, you can vote online to choose the Cover Artist Contest winner. Visit www.chopsticksny.com and click on the artwork you like best!
Exhibition information CHOPSTICKS NY, 2nd Annual Cover Artist Contest “An Exhibition of the Finalists”
n Hayoung Shin
Born and educated in South Korea, Ms. Shin has had a passion for drawing ever since she was a child. After receiving a B.A. from the University of Seoul and studying at Tokyo Gakugei University in Tokyo, she moved to the U. S. to pursue her childhood dream of studying illustration. “I like illustrations that make people’s hearts warm,” she says. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology this spring.
n Will Varner
Currently enrolled in the MFA illustration program at the School of Visual Arts, Mr. Varner actively explores his talent and possibilities by working on various projects. As for being a cover artist of Chopsticks NY, he says, “I see it as a way to combine my love for NYC with my love for Japanese Pop culture. I will highlight the exciting ways that Japanese culture interacts with this great city today!”
October 22nd (Thu) - 30th (Fri) Opening reception: October 23rd (Fri)
NY Coo Gallery 1133 Broadway #335, New York NY 10010 TEL: 212-380-1149 www.nycoo.com
CHOPSTICKS NY | vol. 028 | August 2009 | www.chopsticksny.com
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