Naoko Wowsugi is a Japanese-American conceptual artist.
Early life and education
[edit]Wowsugi was born in Japan, where her family, originally from Korea, had lived for several generations.[1][2]
In 2001,[3] Wowsugi emigrated to the United States, where she attended the Kansas City Art Institute. She then pursued a masters degree in photography at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 2011.[1]
Career
[edit]Wowsugi has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and American University.[2]
In 2015, Wowsugi exhibited at Hamiltonian Gallery in Washington, D.C.; the exhibit comprised pieces created by her students to wish her a happy birthday.[2]
In 2018, Wowsugi hosted the Very Sad Lab with Valerie Wiseman at Halcyon Arts Lab. The project explored "healing between plants and their owners".[4]
Group portraits
[edit]In 2010,
In 2015, Wowsugi created Group Portrait Journey in Rockville, Maryland, a photography exhibit showcasing the relationships of individuals who support the VisArts center in Rockville, Maryland.[5]
Thank You for Teaching Me English
[edit]In 2013,[6] Wowsugi began her photography project, Thank You for Teaching Me English. The set of 30 portraits depicted a person from Wowsugi's life who helped her acclimate to life in the United States, as they speak a word they taught her.[7][8] The exhibit was first shown in late 2013 at the American University Museum.[3] In 2014, the exhibit was shown at Hamiltonian Gallery.[9]
In 2016, the exhibition was a finalist in the National Portrait Gallery's The Outwin contest.[8][10][11]
Permacounterculture
[edit]In 2016, Wowsugi first presented the installation piece Permacounterculture at Hamiltonian Gallery in Washington, D.C. The piece comprised a white cube-shaped structure, which functioned as both a greenhouse and a music venue. Over the course of the gallery run, wheatgrass was grown in the cube, as recording of punk music or as local hardcore musicians performed live at the gallery. Staffers then processed the wheatgrass into shots for gallery attendees and the performers.[12][13]
Personal life
[edit]Wowsugi moved to Washington, D.C. in 2013.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Ryder, Adam (2014-11-01). "Naoko Wowsugi". Photograph. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ a b c Jenkins, Mark (2015-01-30). "In the galleries: At Hamiltonian, a birthday celebration of a different sort". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ a b O'Sullivan, Michael (2013-11-21). "Art review: Ed Bisese and Lisa Brotman at the A.U. Museum". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b c Weber, Elizabeth (2022-08-05). "Community as a Work of Art". American University. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ "In the galleries: Heading home". The Washington Post.
- ^ "Thank You for Teaching Me English". Naoco Wowsugi. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ "Naoko Wowsugi; 'Atlas Obscura' Book". KCUR. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ a b Catlin, Roger (2016-03-21). "Every Three Years, Artists Compete to Be On View at the National Portrait Gallery. Here Are the Winners". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ O'Sullivan, Michael (2014-09-25). "'new. now.' at Hamiltonian Gallery". The Washington Post.
- ^ "Thank You for Teaching Me English". The Outwin: American Portraiture Today | Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ Kennicott, Philip (2016-03-11). "The National Portrait Gallery announces winners of The Outwin competition". The Washington Post.
- ^ "With 'Permacounterculture,' Naoko Wowsugi Turns Hamiltonian Gallery Into a Green House and a Punk Venue". Washington City Paper. 2016-08-25. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ "This DC Art Gallery Is Using Punk Rock to Grow Plants". Washingtonian. 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ "Naoko Wowsugi "Permacounterculture"". SHIFT. Retrieved 2024-01-26.