Hee J. Jo (b. 1987) is a Korean Canadian artist currently residing in Mississauga, Ontario. Jo is a City of Mississauga’s resident artist based her studio in the Living Arts Centre.
Drawing inspiration from her background as a professional floral designer, Jo's recent works are a vibrant exploration of the intricate beauty found in flowers. Utilizing vibrant compositions and rich palettes, Jo embodies the essence of natural phenomena. Her creative exploration aims to forge an intrinsic bond, unveiling the reality of our organic connection to nature. Jo's paintings, with their decorative flair, not only capture the beauty of the natural world but also serve as a reminder of our harmonious relationship with it.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Through the use of highly saturated compositions and palettes, the flowers in the centre are personified, reminding viewers that while we are just one of many life forms, each of us possesses our own beauty. I try to emphasize our beauty as a part of nature and to remind us that we are a part of nature's harmony. I also work as a florist, and this experience has greatly helped me understand the unique charm and individuality of each flower, which is also reflected in my artwork.
The floral patterns in the background of the artwork are designed using artificial intelligence. These virtual flowers, while not real, are inspired by real flowers that I have photographed for the foreground. This contrast between the virtual flowers and the prominent real flower symbolizes the beautiful fusion of modern technology and art, conveying a positive message that we can create new forms of beauty through technology.
While I, as a human, could not perfectly replicate the AI's designs, the loose brushwork throughout the artwork adds more human elements, allowing each flower to appear slightly different. This emphasizes the creativity and originality of the artwork, highlighting the process where technology and art intersect, emphasizing creativity and originality over perfection.
Overall, this artwork symbolizes the meeting of past and present, nature and technology, reflecting the new era with the impact of the combination of artificial intelligence and art in current society.