Artist
Sunnu Rebecca Choi
Sunnu Rebecca Choi (ìµœì„ ìš°) is an award-winning Korean/Canadian illustrator & printmaker. She specialises in illustrations for editorials and fiction & non-fiction books for children, mid-grades, young adults, and adults, and she is always open to new and exciting projects. She has won or been shortlisted for multiple awards, including the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, World Illustration Awards, 3x3, Communication Arts Illustration Awards and more. Her works were selected to be exhibited at various exhibitions, including the Royal Academy of Art Summer Exhibition and The Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers Exhibition.
Q1. What inspires the artist?
Sunnu is inspired by her lived experience as a 1.5-generation immigrant. Since relocating from South Korea to Canada at the age of 14, she has navigated life across three continents, four countries, and eight cities. Sunnu has always wrestled with the complexities of her ‘in-between identity’ and searched for a home and a sense of belonging. Her work encapsulates the emotions of immigrants and the intricacies of in-between identity, further examining themes of belonging and the meaning
of 'home'.
Q2. What does being a female artist mean?
Sunnu is blessed to be a female artist. She can explore and create work that reflects the unique aspects of female experiences and addresses many issues that women and minority groups face in society. As a Korean female artist, she often works with the theme of identity to embrace and celebrate their existence and, ultimately, to promote diversity and multiculturalism.
Q3. How does Korean culture influence artist's art?
Sunnu believes that Korean culture is a big part of her identity, seamlessly blending into her art in various ways.
Q5. What projects are currently being worked on?
Q4. Who are the female artist role models, and why?
Sunnu admires Paula Rego as one of her favorite female artists. She was speechless when she first saw Rego's work and how her paintings tell stories in social and political contexts. Rego was socially engaged, addressing social inequality, gender discrimination, political oppression, and women's rights. Her practice inspired Sunnu Rebecca Choi and encouraged her to raise her voice through art.
Sunnu is continuing to work on the Home project, which is part of her ongoing journey of finding her home. She is also writing and illustrating a children's book about belongingness.
​Home 1, 2023
Etching, aquatint & chine collé
19 x 19 cm
Home 4, 2024
Etching, aquatint & chine collé
21.8 x 29.2 cm
Sunnu's work draws from her experiences as a 1.5-generation immigrant. Having moved from South Korea to Canada at the age of 14 and lived across three continents, she explores themes of belonging and the meaning of ‘home’. Her art captures moments of transition, reflecting the complexities of her 'in-between identity'. Sunnu hopes to create pieces that encourage viewers to engage with their own emotions and perceptions. While her aesthetic often contrasts with brighter themes, her work offers a cathartic experience, inspiring hope and optimism amid the challenges of navigating identity and place.
In Between 2, 2023
Etching, aquatint & chine collé
16.7 x 23.3 cm