Marianne Sung
Originally from Montréal, Marianne Sung is a self-taught contemporary Korean-Canadian artist. She graduated McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce and is now based in Toronto, Canada. In 2021 her paintings were selected in juried group exhibits "Big, Bold, Risk" and "Opening Doors" at the Leslie Grove Gallery. Her works were also selected by Gallery 1313 for their juried group exhibit “The End.” Her painting “Cabane à sucre” was chosen for Create Magazine’s Issue #27. In 2022, her painting “My Algonquin” was accepted into Brooklyn, NY based Visionary Art Collective’s online exhibit “Revelations.” Finally, Marianne is represented by Ninth Editions, an online gallery fully curated by Ashley Mulvihill. Her artwork were included in Ninth Editions’ 2021 Fall and Winter collections as well as their 2022 Spring, Summer and Fall collections.
Could you tell us more about your background and how you began creating art?
I am a Korean-Canadian self-taught contemporary artist. I graduated McGill University with a business degree, then worked in the corporate world for over 15 years but always loved art, visiting exhibits and museums. About 5 years ago I started painting on my own and then enrolled in classes at independent art schools in Toronto, Canada. For now I decided that I would focus primarily on acrylic painting for its versatility and its ability to convey my emotions visually through colours and shapes. I occasionally dabble with mixed media and ceramics. In 2021, I was given many opportunities to start exhibiting online and in local galleries. I regularly exhibit my work on the fully curated online gallery Ninth Editions.
What does your art aim to say to its viewers?
My artwork aims to inspire feelings of magic, warmth and nostalgia as well as explore themes of belonging and identity. I am inspired by my deep connections to the places and things especially in my current home of Ontario, my upbringing in Québec and world travels. My expressive paintings emerge by applying transparent and thin layers of acrylic that I slowly build up. I also often use pink and neon yellow backgrounds to emphasize the shimmer of distant light and express the intersection between the natural and digital, blurring views of the real and unreal.
Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What is your daily routine when working?
I love taking nature walks in and around the city and during extended trips. Much of my inspiration comes from my photographs, memory, coupled with my imagination. I then sketch or prepare a few studies before painting on canvas. I also love painting smaller pieces on paper as it gives me the freedom to experiment and take risks. On a daily basis, I always eat three meals, walk my mini schnauzer and meditate. I generally paint after my morning routine with lots of natural light in my south facing home studio.
What is the essential element in your art?
Conveying a feeling of magic.
In your opinion, what role does the artist have in society?
As a visual artist, our role is to creatively and intuitively express feelings and thoughts of places, things, beings and events without words.
