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Cover of “An Artistic Journey” by Nicole Ochongae Conrad / Courtesy of Nicole Ochongae Conrad
Nicole Ochongae Conrad, Korean American professor, author and photographer
For nearly five decades, Nicole Ochongae Conrad has lived between cultures, and that experience — of belonging fully to neither Korea nor America while being shaped by both — became the foundation of a career in photography, education and cultural exchange.
Now, those experiences are captured in “An Artistic Journey,” a recently published collection of photography, personal essays and cultural narratives exploring identity, memory and diaspora.
“Being Korean American is not only about preserving our roots but also about sharing them with others,” Conrad said in a written interview with The Korea Times.
“For me, being Korean American means serving as a bridge between cultures — honoring my heritage while fostering understanding, connection and mutual respect in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Conrad, who earned both her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from Arizona State University, has built a career spanning education, photography and cultural exchange. She later served as a professor of fine art and humanities at Central Texas College and Texas Christian University.
One of the most meaningful moments in her career, Conrad said, was presenting her paper, “Cross-Cultural Visions,” at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China. She said the opportunity to engage with scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds strengthened her belief in the importance of intercultural dialogue.
“That experience reinforced my belief that being Korean American is not only about preserving our roots but also about sharing them with others,” she said. “It highlighted the value of fostering understanding, connection and mutual respect across cultures.”
Conrad said her commitment to cultural exchange was influenced by her mentor, Bill Jay, a renowned photography historian and theorist at Arizona State University.
“My mentor once told me, ‘Let the world know Korean photography,’” she said. “Inspired by his words, I expanded my work beyond photography to share Korean art, culture and tea traditions with diverse audiences.”
She hopes younger generations of Korean Americans will embrace their heritage while pursuing their own aspirations.
“We come from a rich cultural heritage, and that is something to celebrate,” she said. “Stay connected to your roots, believe in yourself, and be proud of who you are. Let your journey bring people together across cultures, wherever life takes you.”
