We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Genie Ghim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Genie below.
Genie, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only expatriate or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
When traveling or relocating to foreign countries it will not be unusual to find yourself in a room where you may be the only one who looks or sounds like you. At such times it’s important to maintain an open mind, self confidence, sense of curiosity and the desire to make human connections.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Genie is a fine artist and expatriate from Washington DC, born in Seoul, Korea. The collective impressions of her transnational experiences while residing in Asia, Europe and the Middle East inform her work, enrich her practice of visual art forms and research of regional art history. Genie attended the Corcoran School of Art and the Fashion Institute of Technology, she holds a BA in East Asian Studies and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art from American University in Washington, D.C.
Her interdisciplinary fine art emerges from life in an eclectic mix of cities and cultures. She has lived in Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. With an itinerent background, her work highlights intersections of cross-cultural interactions, synthesis and the human connection. Genie’s recent studio art practice involves various mediums: contemporary screen prints, paintings, sculptures and laser-cut plexiglass. Her most recent work narrates surreal themes, co-existence, and pop culture conveyed in vibrant colors with vivid silhouettes in hard edged abstraction and provocative text.
After living as an expatriate, relocating from one country to the next, being immersed in new cultures and customs she found that actively embracing the adventurous lifestyle to be enriching for her creativity and ways of seeing beyond the surface. During the recent pandemic Genie was living in Spain when she returned to live in her home of Washington, D.C. and found in the familiar environment the opportunity to focus on elevating her art practice. She is currently preparing to attend an artist residency later this year in Andalucia, Spain.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three essential qualities that come to mind are those that are emphasized within Bold Journey: Confidence, Productivity and Resilience. Often finding myself in foreign countries with unfamiliar environments where the language or customs were all new to me, without knowing anyone, I found that it was always important to maintain a sense of self reliance, composure and an open mindset with a positive outlook. While knowing to expect the unexpected and having an innate sense of adventure, it has always been helpful to me to have a curious mind in seeking what can be learned from a particular urban ecosystem. The art and architecture that may be unique to various cultures and regions have been great sources of inspiration in my work. I find the histories of cultures to be fascinating, including contemporary pop culture. As a visual artist I realized that most often I was able to find common ground with those who shared a love for art or a great interest in creativity and innovation. Art is instrumental in visual communication and human connection.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I enjoy collaborating on creative projects and new endeavors. This past week I invited another artist to join me in exhibiting our artwork together in a pop-up show for a contemporary new gallery I opened where I also incorporated the work of a graphic designer with whom I worked on several projects. It’s a pleasure to exhibit my work internationally, nationally and locally through these art shows and innovative spaces I have opportunities to meet fellow creatives in the art world, musicians and entrepreneurs. At times I make connections with those I would like to continue working with or reconnect with on future projects. Currently, I’m at work on preparing for exhibitions including a group show in Washington, D.C. with nine other artists who are at different stages of their artistic journeys.
To contact me I can be reached at my website and on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.genieghim.com
- Instagram: @genieghim
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genie.ghim.art/
Image Credits
Images Courtesy of the Artist
The last three photos are by Gregory Staley
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
