Artist

April Shin

 

 

Born Seoul, Korea 1976

Immigrated to New Zealand in 1990

 

EDUCATION

Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland University,

Masters of Fine Arts 2003

Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland University,

Bachelors of Fine Arts 1999

Epsom Girl's Grammar, NZ-Bursary Scholarship in

Painting and Printmaking 1994

 

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

At Dusk, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2008

One, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2007

The Doors, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2006

Rome, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2005

Form, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2004

Presence, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2003

Existence, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2002

Diversity, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2001 

Unity, Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2000

 

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

Warwick Henderson Gallery Auckland 2018-1999

Team Mcmillan Art Awards Auckland 2006 

Mark Hutchins Gallery Wellington 2005 

Dioceson's School Art Works Auckland 2002 

Reflections Art Gallery in WOW Nelson 2002 

George Fraser Gallery Auckland 1999 

George Fraser Gallery Auckland 1997

ASA Gallery Auckland 1993

"New Zealand artist April Shin creates contemplative paintings on large canvases, inspired by simplified forms, time-worn surfaces and rich textures from nature. She aspires to communicate a sense of balance, harmony and freedom to the viewer.

Shin's early paintings (2000-2010) consist of diverse imagery on several smaller boards, harmoniously arranged on a larger substrate. She is interested in the new 'wholeness' suggested by the overall structure; when the separate images are read together as one unified composition. With this concept, she presents a metaphorical illustration of the diverse cultures in contemporary New Zealand society. 

Recent artworks (2011-2018) depict Shin's interest in people and in the process of inner spirituality. Inspired by the scripture: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18), these

paintings capture the invisible thoughts and 

emotions that are concealed by a person's outward appearance.
Shin is motivated to communicate with people through her art. Though the models are fictional

characters, Shin focuses on the human form - its gestures, facial expressions and poses - to express the essence of personal real-life stories and experiences."