Unfolding Life Through Art, Travel and Faith
What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?
One day several years ago, I learned the S.H.A.P.E. affirmation which changed my point of view on life: “I am not who I think I am, and I am not who you think I am, but I really am who God says I am!” S.H.A.P.E. stands for Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. It helped me understand that I was created with a purpose on this earth and that I need to share with others the gifts and talents that God gave me, while giving Him all the glory. This affirmation opened my eyes to a new perspective and a specific reason to integrate art creation into my life. I will always love the S.H.A.P.E. affirmation because it is helping me fulfill my longing for completeness in life.
What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself as?
I see myself as an artist who is constantly learning, observing, experimenting, creating, and evolving through all of my various experiences during the artistic journey that my life has become. As an abstract expressionist, I love to portray uplifting thoughts and emotions in each of my many colorful art pieces.
What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?
I believe that colors are powerful media which act as bridges across the various energies and emotions that rhythmically affect human moods. When a viewer spends time enjoying my art, my wish is that he or she will fully and emotionally explore these uniquely evocative compositions – and the movement across shapes, colors, and marks which are all interacting, vibrating, and contrasting with each other – and then feel positive, contemplative, and joyful.
BIO
Sophia Hyun was born in Seoul, Korea. After spending her childhood in South America, she moved to the United States where she received her BA from UCLA. Sophia’s career as an abstract artist began after successfully accomplishing her goals in the fashion industry in Los Angeles and relocating to Orange County.
Having been inspired by the art scene in Laguna Beach, and the wonderful community of artists from Saddleback Visual Arts (SVA) in Lake Forest, Sophia decided to pursue her passion for painting. She subsequently moved to London to build her portfolio in art and business then moved back to Los Angeles.
Numerous galleries and art fairs have showcased Sophia’s artworks. Her exhibitions have been held in various cities in the United States, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Her artworks also have been featured by British Vogue, Vanity Fair London, The World of Interiors, Contemporary Art Curator, and local magazines in Southern California. Sophia's paintings have recently been exhibited at John Wayne Airport.
Art has expanded Sophia’s world in every aspect of life and it has given her different opportunities to learn and experience new seasons of life. Abstraction is her main tool of inspiration and through her work, she aims to evoke a beautiful and contemplative experience of emotions being felt in the moment. She feels privileged to be able to express these experiences through her paintings and share with the world.
Exhibitions
2022 - Juliana Cannes, "Contemporary & Fine Art Cannes Biennale", by MAMAG Modern Art Museum, Cannes, France
2022 - Huntington Beach Art Center, "Centered on the Center", California, USA
2021 - Carrousel Du Louvre, "Salon d'art contemporain", Paris, France
2019 - Brick Lane Gallery, "Abstract Exhibition", London, UK
2019 - Newport Beach City Arts Commission, "Newport Beach Art Exhibition", Newport Beach, California, USA
2019 - Laguna Beach City Hall, "Art That's Small at the City Hall", Laguna Beach, California, USA
2019 - Saddleback Church, "Solo Show", Anaheim, California, USA
2018 - Laguna Art-A-Fair Fine Art Festival, Laguna Beach, California, USA
2018 - Newport Beach City Arts Commission, "Newport Beach Art Exhibition", Newport Beach, California, USA
2018 - First Thursdays Art Walk Laguna Beach, "Mystery Box", Laguna Beach, California, USA
2018 - Laguna Beach City Hall, "Art That's Small at the City Hall", Laguna Beach, California, USA
2018 - Virga Gallery, "Group Show", Laguna Beach, California, USA
2017 - Saddleback Visual Arts, "The Creative Invitation WAI Show", Lake Forest, California, USA