Chosun Ilbo | [Kim Hyun Jung’s Picture Radio (9)] Giving Titles Laced with Humor
In her column, Korean painter Kim Hyun Jung introduced the process of titling works in her 'Naesoong' series. She explained how she moved from the perfunctory early titles like 'Naesoong 1, Naesoong 2' to carefully choosing witty, affectionate words, much like naming a child, in order to soften the heavy theme of 'self versus others' gaze' into something audiences could enjoy and relate to.
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Shy Buttocks
Wonder Woman Diary
The Perfect Table
Oops
The Highway of Life
Well Done Today, Too
The One Who Moves Me
Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed
Kim, the Dictator on the Judge's Stand
Pomsaengpomsa
Repeat Mark
Puzzling words and phrases — all of them titles from Naesoong Story.
The titles of the Naesoong series I first painted were often given in a format like "Naesoong 1, Naesoong 2, Naesoong 3…" I wonder if this was because "Untitled 1, Untitled 2, Untitled 3…," so common in art history books, had unconsciously settled into my mind.
But at some point, I began to confuse the names of these works, dear to me like children. Amid so much authority and rigid hierarchy, my once-soft emotions had, without my noticing the aridity, already begun to harden bit by bit. The version of me that used to laugh at small things was gradually disappearing, turning into a joyless adult stingy with laughter. I suddenly felt embarrassed. I began carefully giving proper names, starting with the works I felt most affection for.
The process of naming feels much like the process of naming a child. First comes a light, cute nickname. Once the piece is complete, I recall the many words and phrases I felt during the process of painting it, and decide on a title. The nickname sometimes carries straight through to become the title. What must not be missed at this stage is the element of "haehak" (諧謔, humor/wit). "Haehak" combines the character 諧 (to jest) with 謔 (to tease), meaning laughing-yet-poignant jokes and wit. Through short, humorous words and phrases, viewers can glimpse the artist's intent, and, recalling various emotions, share in the enjoyment together — this is an important part of the process.
The Naesoong series carries the cute, lovable word "naesoong," but behind it lies the heavy theme of "self versus others' gaze." Through theatrical expression and humorous titles, I want to soften that depth and turn it into an object of enjoyable empathy.
Some will smile, reflecting on their own experiences; others will look at the paintings with feelings different from the titles. The profound title "Untitled," so common in fine art, no doubt provokes much thought. Why not enjoy today's slightly friendlier Naesoong series paintings, and try naming the title of your own day?