Namsook Chang

NAMSOOK CHANG
Graduated MFA

 
NamSook Chang is a successful ceramic artist, teacher and curator. Originally from Korea, she graduated with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 2002 and has since been immersed in the international art world.

“I wanted to study in New Zealand, so I searched for a school with the best ceramics programme and found it at the Dunedin School of Art.”

Subsequently, her dissertation and artwork were based on the exploration of her identity as a traveler between her inherited Korean culture and New Zealand,  A Trans Experience.

“As an international student, I had some wonderful support. This included my two supervisors for theory and studio work, who provided great leadership and artistic direction.  I’m still in contact with them today.

“I also learnt a lot from the other creative students, seeing their different ideas and what materials they used. I especially enjoyed attending the weekly MFA seminar where we go to discuss our work.

Namsook says Dunedin city was particularly inspiring for a developing artist. “I loved the blue and green nature, the New Zealand landscape, and the classic and modern art galleries. Even the people were very different from big cities.”
She has now opened her own gallery, Contemporary Living Art (COLA) in Korea.

“Andy Warhol once said that business art is the next that comes after art.  After working as an artist and teaching students, I am now moving onto the next step.”

“It was very big event in my life to move from Korea to New Zealand; from a traditional lifestyle to one of freedom and individuality. The School of Art was the perfect place for me to learn, live and create.”