INFO
Michelle Ku is an artist living in Mohkinstsis/Calgary. Inspired by her personal healing journey, the mind-body-spirit connection, & childhood memories, Michelle likes to create art for her younger self. She enjoys balancing the silly and serious in her work, describing it as sweet and salty. Mainly working with acrylic paint and traditional materials, her practice spans across animation, illustration, murals, and sculpture. Michelle has worked with organizations and clients including The National Film Board of Canada, Cartoon Network, CBC Arts, YYC BUMP, and FX Networks. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Graphic Design from Central Saint Martins in London, England. 
For new projects, commissions, questions, or to say hi please email: michellekukuinc@gmail.com
CV

SELECT Exhibitions
Harman Projects - Red Envelope Show - New York, USA (2024)
Grey Studio LA - Spaceboi Custom Toy Show - Los Angeles, USA (2024)
WOW x WOW Gallery - Higher Frequencies Group Show (2023)
Giant Robot - Submerged Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2023) 
Giant Robot - Fruits & Veggies Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2023) 
BLK Gallery - Solo Show - New York, USA & Tokyo, Japan (2023)
Breadmkr - Solo Show - Calgary, Canada (2023)
Giant Robot - Neko Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2023) 
Giant Robot - Totoro Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2022) 
Giant Robot - Post-it Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2022)
Contemporary Calgary - BUMP Cinematheque Group Show - Calgary, Canada (2022)
Giant Robot - Deep Forest Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2022)

clients & Past work experience
Cartoon Network, National Film Board of Canada, CBC Arts, Golden Wolf, 
FX Networks, Atomic Cartoons, Blink Ink, First Generation Films, Strange Beast

Residencies & Apprenticeships
National Film Board Of Canada - Hothouse 14 - Montreal, Canada (2023)
Stride Gallery - Summer Studio Residency - Calgary, Canada (2023)

awards & GRANTS
World Illustration Awards - Highly Commended, Professional Category (2023)
Calgary Arts Development - Artist Development Microgrant - Calgary, Canada (2023)
Calgary Arts Development - Individual Project Grant - Calgary, Canada (2023)
Calgary Arts Development - Artist Development Microgrant - Calgary, Canada (2022)
Calgary Arts Development - Individual Project Grant - Calgary, Canada (2022)

Press & Publications
Booooooom - Care Photo & Art Book (2024)
National Film Board - Hothouse Considered: 6 Animators, 3 Months, 1 Minute (2023)
Pixiv - Vision's 2024 Illustrator's Book (2023)
Pixiv - Vision's 2023 Illustrator's Book (2022)

Education
Central Saint Martins - BA Graphic Design, Moving Image (2017)