"New Zealand artist April Shin creates contemplative paintings on 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.
Artworks (2011- to date) depict Shin's interest in nature. April Says "I am painting on a singular canvas. It deals with a larger surface so textures and images are more detailed and focused; the delicate line of figures shows my interest in people and their inner spirituality.
I am developing the concept of connection, especially social connections and relations. I am interested in a core psychological aspect of mankind’s need for feeling satisfied with one’s life."
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."
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
Untitled, Brunswick Street Gallery, Melbourne
27 Oct –13 Nov 2022
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
Take Care, artHAUS Auckland 24 March - 11 April 2021
Mobile Art Gallery 2021
Art Associates Gallery 2021
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
Artist
April Shin