In this work Ms. Kang uses calligraphy to tell a story, one that does not
require the understanding of calligraphy. In traditional Korean culture there is a bias
for mothers to bear sons. As part of the enthusiasm, some parents select a name before the
baby is born. Oftentimes, daughters will inherit a male name as a result of this. This
work, entitled First Born Son Daughter, lists numerous male names that have been given to
women, calling our attention to this inequality.
First Born Son Daughter,
2001
36" x 44", acrylic on canvas
The Sketchbook
series illustrates the artist's evolution, as she deconstructed formal calligraphic
characters into pictograms. These unreadable characters communicate ideas visually-
ironically suggesting both the power and failure of language in communicating ideas.
Sketchbook IV, 2001
34" x 44", sumi ink on rice paper/acrylic on canvas
Personage
P is influenced by both traditional Korean calligraphy and Ms. Kang's personal
observations of nature. The artist appropriates age-old calligraphic gestures to create a
contemporary and painterly form of communications. This approach expands the power of
language in communicating universal ideas.
Personage P, 2003
digital iris print on canvas
edition of 99
In Rocks
55 calligraphic images and organic forms interweave with the mysteries of cellular
life and dreams. Inspired by nature, this work imparts a personal meaning for each
individual viewer.
Rocks 55, 1995
42" x 52", oil on canvas
Reflecting on her experience of immigrating to the United States,
Korean born artist Kay Kang makes extensive use of calligraphic characters and gestures.
Her works express an evolution, through years of development, assimilating the American
experience with her Korean upbringing. As a result of this process, we see how calligraphy
can communicate universal messages, as in her meditations on nature. Paradoxically, we
also witness how language can function as a barrier (Just as most Westerners cannot read
calligraphy, Ms. Kang experienced difficulty with the English language.) Simultaneously
reveling and transcending language barriers is one of the artist's leitmotifs.
Personage Y, 1995
63" x 52", oil on canvas
Ms.
Kang received her master's degree from San Francisco State University, CA and her
bachelor's degree from Ewha Women's University, Seoul, Korea. The artist has exhibited in
numerous galleries in the USA and Korea, including Berkeley art Center, Berkeley, CA and
Kyung In Museum, Seoul, Korea. Most recently she was invited for a career retrospective
exhibition at SOMARTS Gallery in San Francisco. Her works are in numerous private and
public collections.
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In this work Ms. Kang uses calligraphy to tell a story, one that does not
require the understanding of calligraphy. In traditional Korean culture there is a bias
for mothers to bear sons. As part of the enthusiasm, some parents select a name before the
baby is born. Oftentimes, daughters will inherit a male name as a result of this. This
work, entitled First Born 
The Sketchbook
series illustrates the artist's evolution, as she deconstructed formal calligraphic
characters into pictograms. These unreadable characters communicate ideas visually-
ironically suggesting both the power and failure of language in communicating ideas.
Personage
P is influenced by both traditional Korean calligraphy and Ms. Kang's personal
observations of nature. The artist appropriates age-old calligraphic gestures to create a
contemporary and painterly form of communications. This approach expands the power of
language in communicating universal ideas.
In Rocks
55 calligraphic images and organic forms interweave with the mysteries of cellular
life and dreams. Inspired by nature, this work imparts a personal meaning for each
individual viewer.
Reflecting on her experience of immigrating to the United States,
Korean born artist Kay Kang makes extensive use of calligraphic characters and gestures.
Her works express an evolution, through years of development, assimilating the American
experience with her Korean upbringing. As a result of this process, we see how calligraphy
can communicate universal messages, as in her meditations on nature. Paradoxically, we
also witness how language can function as a barrier (Just as most Westerners cannot read
calligraphy, Ms. Kang experienced difficulty with the English language.) Simultaneously
reveling and transcending language barriers is one of the artist's leitmotifs.
Ms.
Kang received her master's degree from San Francisco State University, CA and her
bachelor's degree from Ewha Women's University, Seoul, Korea. The artist has exhibited in
numerous galleries in the USA and Korea, including Berkeley art Center, Berkeley, CA and
Kyung In Museum, Seoul, Korea. Most recently she was invited for a career retrospective
exhibition at SOMARTS Gallery in San Francisco. Her works are in numerous private and
public collections.
Amit May Fine Arts