Hee J. Jo
Hee J. Jo (b. 1987) is a Korean Canadian artist currently residing in Mississauga, Ontario. Jo is a City of Mississauga’s resident artist based her studio in the Living Arts Centre. Drawing inspiration from her background as a professional floral designer, Jo's recent works are a vibrant exploration of the intricate beauty found in flowers. Utilizing vibrant compositions and rich palettes, Jo embodies the essence of natural phenomena. Her creative exploration aims to forge an intrinsic bond, unveiling the reality of our organic connection to nature. Jo's paintings, with their decorative flair, not only capture the beauty of the natural world but also serve as a reminder of our harmonious relationship with it.
“In my art, I personify flowers to highlight their beauty and our connection to nature. I try remind viewers
that while we are just one of many life forms, each of us possesses our own beauty. Coming from a florist background, I appreciate each flower’s uniqueness, which is reflected in my work. Using floral patterns generated with artificial intelligence in the background, I try to represent the harmony between the natural world and our technological advancements. The loose brushwork in my artwork, while unable to perfectly replicate AI’s designs, introduces human elements that make each flower subtly distinct, showcasing the intersection of technology and art and prioritizing creativity and originality over perfection.”