By Honorary Reporter Imane Bouhnika from Algeria

Photos = Agnes Hjalmarsson

Agnes Hjalmarsson, a Sweden-based oil painter whose mother was adopted as a child from Korea, examines her Korean and Swedish identities through her autobiographical portfolio, which captures everyday moments.

From Feb. 29 to March 10, she held the exhibition "Made in Sweden" at Studio Kultur in Helsingborg to highlight the dissonance between her Korean roots and Swedish upbringing.

These works by Agnes Hjalmarsson feature Hanbok.

She envisioned a Hanbok design that blends humor, beauty, modernity and tradition, leading to her creating costumes using blue and yellow bags from IKEA to mark her first meeting with her parents at the store.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with the artist from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9.

What sparked your interest in art?
It was initially fan art. I guess it's always been a love language for me to express excitement and appreciation. Now, as an adult, I draw things based on my wonderful fiance and family.

Why did you combine your Korean and Swedish heritage in your art?
Since meeting my partner, who is half Swedish and half Singaporean, my curiosity over my roots has grown and led me to take my first trip to Korea, where I met my biological grandmother, aunt and cousins. It made me realize that despite not growing up immersed in Korean culture, my Korean heritage is part of me. "Made in Sweden" was a way for me to define my identity on my own terms regardless of how others perceive me.

What message do you want to convey through your work?
Gratitude and love, which drive my autobiographical portfolio. My paintings are like a photo album, reflecting the most significant moments of my life.

How has your art resonated with people, especially those of mixed heritage? 
"Made in Sweden" was primarily a form of self-expression, so I didn't focus much on how others would react. I assumed that my journey of realizing that I'm both Korean and Swedish rather than half was personal, but to my surprise, many people of mixed heritage who could relate to my experience reached out to me. Half Koreans in other countries and Swedes with parents from different cultures connected with the exhibition. It was as if people who never fully belonged anywhere finally found a space to be the norm.

These works by Agnes Hjalmarsson feature Hanbok.

How did you get the idea to make Hanbok from IKEA bags?
The idea came to me while I was painting an IKEA bag. I found the juxtaposition of modern and traditional, East and West, and beauty and humor fascinating so I went for it.

Agnes Hjalmarsson wears a Hanbok outfit she made from IKEA bags. 

What other themes do you plan to explore?

I'll continue to draw inspiration from what's relevant in my life. After spending two summers in Asia, I'm inspired to hold more exhibitions on Asian culture and identity. I also want to explore my mother's adoption story through an exhibition.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.