Dear Friend of TOAF,
We can’t thank you enough for being part of a remarkable year of great memories and success stories. TOAF63 is yet another one for the books.
As our 2024 end-of-year gift to you, we spotlight Esther DOË Kim, recipient of the Jini Stolk Best of Online Art Fair Award. Esther’s work is so fitting for this time of the year: whimsical, layered and joyful!
This award holds a special place for us— honouring the memory of Jini Stolk—our dear friend, a lifelong advocate of the arts, and former Board Chair—supported by anonymous friends of TOAF. 🤍
We hope you enjoy exploring Esther’s work. Let us know if you find the perfect piece for your loved ones or for yourself from her collection or from one of the many artists who joined us Exclusively Online this past year.
Wishing you a beautiful holiday season 💙
anahita, Ania, Calder, Heather, Lavender and Sophie
Esther DOË Kim
Esther’s art practice explores the tension between excitement and fear, with an emphasis on human emotions such as anxiety and ambivalence. Using motifs like crocodile-shaped balloons floating peacefully in swimming pools, she plays with the idea that fears, much like these harmless yet fragile balloons, are often illusory. The crocodiles, typically symbols of danger, become benign and even whimsical, reflecting how perception shapes fear. Her work invites the viewer to reconsider the nature of these anxieties, suggesting that they can vanish just as easily as balloons pop.
Hear from Judge
“Esther DOË Kim’s body of work is deserving of the Jini Stolk Best of Online Art Fair Award for its striking fusion of traditional craftsmanship with a modern, introspective narrative. Kim’s pieces captivate with their delicate balance of meticulous detail and profound emotional depth, inviting viewers into a world where past and present converge seamlessly in a humorous exploration of techniques.
Each artwork serves as a canvas where personal stories intertwine with universal themes of identity and belonging. Kim’s exploration of cultural heritage through contemporary lenses not only resonates with viewers but also challenges perceptions, fostering a dialogue on the complexities of cultural identity.”
— Anie Deslauriers, General Director, Plural Art Fair
Exclusively Online Artist Spotlights
Curated Collection
Wintery Blues
January 14, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
In-person – Unit 262, 401 Richmond Street West
Thinking of applying to the 64th edition of Canada’s leading contemporary outdoor & online art fair? Join our free, informative info session to learn more about the organization, our annual Fair, and how to create a strong TOAF application. This session is free to attend, but capacity is limited so please be sure to reserve your space.
Cherishing memories of TOAF63
