Sophia Kyungwon Kim 김 경 원
Sophia Kyungwon Kim is a Toronto-based visual artist and mother of four, currently pursuing her MFA at OCAD University, where she also earned her BFA in Drawing and Painting. Her work is grounded in themes of mutualism, interdependence, and ecological coexistence, exploring the intricate relationships between organic and synthetic materials. Drawing from her experiences as a former police officer in Korea and an immigrant mother navigating cultural and domestic transitions, Sophia’s practice intertwines autobiographical reflection with broader ecological and social inquiries.
Her recent work focuses on visualizing networks of care and resilience embedded in everyday domestic life, particularly through paintings and soft sculptures inspired by fungi and mycorrhizal systems—natural networks that exemplify connection and mutual support. Currently, Sophia is expanding her practice to include metal casting and the creation of multisensory environments, seeking to deepen her exploration of invisible labour, subtle gestures, and the poetic significance of interdependence within both human and ecological systems.
Biography
2002 Korea National Police University Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration
2002-2013 Police Inspector, Korea National Police, South Korea
Served over 15 years in various divisions, including public safety, administration, and
emergency operations. Promoted to the rank of Police Inspector in 2009. Recognized
with multiple commendations for excellence in leadership and public service.
2013- Stay-at-home mother of four children
2022 OCAD University Bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting) with Distinction
2023- Studying at Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media, and Design at OCAD University
Exhibitions
2019. 04. OCAD University First Year Self Portraits - Ada Slaight Galleries - Toronto, Canada
2019. 10. Unknowable Unknowing - OCAD University & Toronto Biennial of Art - Toronto, Canada
2020. 07. Art in the time of Coronavirus - from the Drawing and Painting program at OCAD U - Virtual
2021. 08. Looking Out While Looking In - OCAD University & Southern University New York - Virtual
2022. 07. Fresh Paint & New Construction 2022 - Art Mûr Gallery - Montreal, Canada
2022. 08. Old Growth - Resurrection, Regeneration, Intervention - Propeller Art Gallery - Toronto, Canada
2022. 09. Restroration - 31st KASC Annual Exhibition - Papermill Gallery - Toronto, Canada
2023. 10. Han, Sum, Gyul - 32st KASC Annual Exhibition - Papermill Gallery - Toronto, Canada
2024. 04. Keeping Dreams - Women's Art Association of Canada - Dignam Gallery - Toronto, Canada
2024. 05. Solo Art Exhibition presented by Hello Art & GWL Realty Advisior - 33 Yonge St - Toronto, Canada
2024. 07. Toronto Outdoor Art Fair - Nathan Phillips Square - Toronto, Canada
2024. 07. Memory : 33rd KASC Annual Exhibition - Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery - Toronto, Canada
2024. 11. WHO ARE YOU FROM/ How do you imagine your work a 1000 years from now? - Graduate Gallery - Toronto, Canada
2025. 03. In The Making - Great Hall OCAD University - Toronto, Canada
2025. 03. The Art of Noticing - Ignite Gallery - Toronto, Canada
2025. 05. Artist Project 2025 - Better Living Center - Toronto, Canada
2025. 06. The 2025 Together Show - Harmony - QEPCCC Main Gallery - Oakville, Canada (upcoming)
2025. 07. 34th Annual KASC Exhibition Road to Courage - Joseph D. Carrier Gallery - Toronto, Canada (upcoming)
2025. 10. XV Florence Biennale - Fortezza da Basso - Florence, Italy (upcoming)
Awards and community recognition
2022. Winner of Curtlands Foundation Prize 2022
2013. Commendation for Excellence in Freshman Training, Korean National Police University
2004. Award for Outstanding Cultural Heritage Protection, Administrator of the Cultural Herit Administration of Korea
2003 Administrative Excellence Award, Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency