Meet the 2024 Newcomer Artist in Residence

For Calgary Public Library’s 2024 Newcomer Artist in Residence, it’s an honour to share his experiences quite literally through his own lens.  

Han Sungpil’s photography, video, and installations highlight environmental issues in a striking way. He aims to explore the relationship between what’s real and what's represented in the nature we see — all while learning more about diverse cultures and exploring nature further. 

“I have seen that nature is changing. This is my motivation for continuing my work,” Han said. 

Han is originally from South Korea, but his time as a visual artist has brought him around the world including destinations like Indonesia, Antartica, the Amazon, Andes, Alps, Sahara, and now Alberta.  

“I (originally) came to Lake Louise as part of a research trip. I was so fascinated with the landscape that I decided to move to Canada,” Han said. 

As the Library’s Newcomer Artist in Residence, Han is looking forward to meeting new people and sharing more about his artwork and the experiences around gathering it. This summer, he will be travelling across Western and northern Canada, to destinations like the Columbia Icefield in Alberta and Kaskawush, and Logan and Hubbard glaciers in Kluane National Park in Yukon. He will show the impact people have on the environment through his newly created pieces and will share this with Library patrons.  

Han will also have an upcoming virtual program on July 20 in partnership with the Korean Culture Center Canada, based in Ottawa, as well as one final artist showcase on September 5 at Memorial Park Library to discuss his work with patrons.

Learn more about the Newcomer Artist in Residence on our website.

This Library residency is generously supported by TD Bank Group.