Sisun News | [Interview 360] Idol of Korean Painting, Artist Kim Hyun Jung: “K-Art Culture Must March Toward the World…”

[Sisun News, Kim A-ryeon] Artist Kim Hyun Jung, known as the 'idol of Korean painting,' draws inspiration from everyday moments to create fun, cheerful works. She has always thought hard about ways to make Korean painting, which can feel somewhat classical, easy and familiar for contemporary audiences. Let's hear more this time about artist Kim Hyun Jung's world of work.

PART 2. Artist Kim Hyun Jung, Who Expresses Korean Painting with Fun and Cheer

[Courtesy of Kim Hyun Jung Art Center]

- What is the charm of Korean painting?

I still haven't forgotten the fresh shock I felt the first time I encountered Oriental painting. The way a brush, heavy with ink, spreads and blooms the moment it meets hanji paper is deeply etched in my mind. Watching that ink spread so fluidly, capturing the East's sense of mystery so well, I think anyone would find themselves utterly absorbed, watching in a daze. Moreover, since Korean painting is our country's own unique art form, the fact that it carries the spirit of our ancestors is, I think, a great part of its charm.

- What viewing tips would you give to people encountering Korean painting for the first time?

I'd say: try to open not just the eyes and ears of your heart, but your actual eyes and ears too, toward the painting. That might sound a bit sentimental, but it actually carries a very rational meaning. What I mean is: before appreciating a Korean painting, look into the history, techniques, and characteristics of the materials of Korean painting first. If you do even a little preparation before viewing, I think you'll find it far more enjoyable. Also, when you visit an exhibition, I'd recommend timing your visit to match the docent tour, when explanations about the exhibition are provided. Listening to the docent's explanation while appreciating the Korean painting will let you feel its charm and appeal many times more.

[Courtesy of Kim Hyun Jung Art Center]

- You have a lot of fun paintings born from fresh ideas — where do you get your inspiration?

Since my paintings are self-portraits, moments from my actual everyday life are literally the source of my inspiration. For example, 'Fighting Spirit' got its material from a moment when I was skipping meals to work and felt like I was about to collapse, so I fought my way through a hamburger. I was so hungry from painting on an empty stomach that I didn't even think to wash my hands as I rushed to eat, but even in that state, worried that my greasy fingers might affect the artwork, I hastily picked up my fries with a straw — that's the scene I depicted. That's how I draw inspiration from everyday life and carry out my work.

- What kind of artist do you want to be remembered as?

It might feel a bit distant from a title like 'A Tray of Eggs, Marrying Age,' but I'm still often called by the nickname 'idol of Korean painting' here and there. That nickname comes from the fact that I'm relatively young in a Korean painting scene where most artists are older. My goal is to contribute to the world so that anyone can enjoy art in everyday life. To achieve that goal, my work needs to be approachable and easy to understand. Even though the word 'idol' feels a bit embarrassing now that I'm past thirty, if it's used to mean 'close and comfortable' rather than just 'young star painter,' I'd like to keep being the 'idol of Korean painting' going forward.

[Courtesy of Kim Hyun Jung Art Center]

- What is your goal for 2019?

This is both my goal for this year and my ultimate aspiration. My goal is to become a Korean painter who represents Korea internationally. K-pop, K-dramas, and K-movies are gaining popularity worldwide, and I've come to think that spreading K-Art culture is also a goal that should march toward the world. In 2017, I was named one of the '30 Under 30 Asia' by Forbes, the largest economic magazine in the US. In that spirit, I want to keep pressing forward from where I stand now, and become a cultural ambassador who widely spreads the charm and beauty of K-Art, of Korean painting.

- Finally, a word for our readers.

Every artist has different aspirations for their style. Some prefer to express things heavily and profoundly, others prefer a simple, understated expression. I try to express my work as fun and cheerful as possible. In this harsh world, I hope people can find comfort and laughter through art. So I feel rewarded and happy when viewers look at my work and say, "This is fun, this is delightful." That's why I've tried to keep a sense of fun in everything — the composition and imagery of the work, the titles, and even how the exhibition itself is put together. I hope visitors to my exhibitions can enjoy the works and leave having shed some stress.

[Courtesy of Kim Hyun Jung Art Center]

Having become a star painter at a relatively young age, artist Kim Hyun Jung is serving as a cultural ambassador spreading Korean painting internationally. Visitors to her exhibitions find comfort and laughter through her fun, cheerful works. There is much anticipation for what kind of work she'll create next to convey the charm and cheer of Korean painting.

Written by — Reporter Kim A-ryeon