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Nana Heim-Kwon

Artist in Aso 2014 Work Overview

Nana’s plan was to create a “souvenir from Aso,” and her work continued on this theme. She had studied in Japan before, and her understanding and familiarity with Japanese culture played a large part in her work.

Nana placed a number of traditional Japanese household items on rice spread out over the floor as a way to illustrate the historical lifestyles of those living in Aso. The lighting was effective in creating an atmosphere like something out of a folktale, and the piece told the story of the people, places, and things she experienced during her residency.

While senninbari (belt with 1000 stitches in it, used as amulets by soldiers) is a rather dark motif for Japanese people, by having local housewives, the owner of her residency home, etc., stitch a sennninbari together, the senninbari becomes a medium for looking back at the new relationships created. The overall exhibit is a poetic interpretation of the artist’s time during the residency.

Academic History

  • 1995 Graduated from Toyo Institute of Art, Department of Painting (Tokyo, Japan)
  • 1999 Graduated from Musashino Art University, Department of Oil Painting (Tokyo, Japan)
  • 2007 Graduated from the State Academy of Fine Arts, Department of Free Painting (Stuttgart, Germany)
  • 2009 Graduated from the State Academy of Fine Arts, Department of Sculpture Research (Stuttgart, Germany)

Now active in the arts in Germany

Additional Info

  • NAME: Nana Heim-Kwon
  • Place to stay: Aso City
  • Nationality: Born in Korea, based in Germany

Image Gallery