I am a practicing artist-graphic designer currently engaged in a variety of cultural, social, political, and ecological projects. At present, I am based in Montreal, Canada.
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Having lived in three continents, six countries and nine cities, each new place brings new meaning that needs making sense of. It is for this reason that my work focuses on the meaning of "home", with the act of “homemaking” and “homeunmaking” being an integral part of each relocation. This process, expands my vision of “home” from the personal to the broader eco-social and political.
My artwork includes a variety of everyday symbols and metaphors connected with “home”, such as the body, household objects, topographical maps, nature and packaging materials. They allow me to look at “home” from diverse perspectives. As I explore the material, metaphorical and spiritual dimensions of “home,” I become aware of her layered contradictions – how freedom is both provided and taken away, and how the possibility of separation but also connectedness is generated. This fluid dichotomy intrigues me and inspires me to navigate that in-between space, to find reconciliation and belonging within the contradictions.
ABOUT
EDUCATION
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1989-1992
BSC. Applied Science, Major in Communications & Certificate of Liberal Arts
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
1995-1998
BFA Graphic Design
Academy of Art College, San Francisco, CA, USA
2018-2019
Independent Studio Program
Vancouver Island School of Art, Victoria, BC, Canada
To view my graphic design work, kindly visit karenyen.ca