about
THE artist:
Hello, I am Irina Shin-Geller, a Korean Russian American artist. I was born in Uzbekistan and grew up in Moscow, Russia. After immigrating to the United States, I studied graphic design at Parsons School of Design and web design at Pace University. In 2020 I moved from New York City to Red Springs, North Carolina, where I have been living since then and have become a Red Springs Artspace artist.
If you like non-figurative art, abstract images, or experimental photography, you may be interested in exploring the galleries that display some of my paintings and digital works. I hope you enjoy the works I have created.
Irina Shin-Geller photographed by Arts Council Staff
The previous local spotlight gallery featured artist: irina shin-geller
"I like to create images that convey unusual textures, patterns, shapes, and shadows. I enjoy experimenting with different techniques and media: acrylics, oils, watercolors, ink, photography, and 3D. Recently my preferred material to work with is hanji - a handmade mulberry paper from Korea. Hanji has been known in Korea for many centuries and is probably one of the oldest artistic mediums used by my ancestors.
I use a variety of techniques for hanji: from traditional (joomchi) to experimental, sometimes combining different techniques in a single work. Joomchi, a traditional Korean technique, uses water to seal several layers of hanji together to form a single sheet. Sometimes I incorporate other types of paper. I also frequently apply ink or acrylic enamel. I would say that hanji is a co-creator of my artworks by leading me through the creative process.
Humna Raza
Take a Closer Look
As for my works’ subject matter, they are mostly abstracts. Sometimes viewers see a landscape, a human figure, or a flower. I let the audience interpret my works for themselves and become a part of the creative and interactive process.
As suggested above, I am of Korean ancestry. When I was young growing up in the former Soviet Union, I was not encouraged to value my ethnicity and cultural heritage. Now that I am older and am living in a different socio-political environment, I feel the need and have freedom to go back to my Korean roots. Working with hanji is a part of my cultural homecoming. It helps me understand what makes me unique, what is valuable to me, and what path to take in the future."
Curated for You
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