Published by the Gwangju International Center since 2001
In this installment of People in the Arts, we meet artist Kim Kyung-joo, who founded the Gwangju-Jeonnam Art Community and was a participant in the minjung art movement with woodblock prints and ink paintings. What follows is the interview that I recently had with Mr. Kim.
Heo Dal-yong was born into the Heo family, which was continuing the line of the painting referred to as namhwa (남화). Namhwa is a style of painting that originated in China. It is also called “literary painting” because this style was mainly painted by Confucian scholars rather than by professional artists.
Lim Nam-jin is a painter who gives us subject matter to ponder, and her paintings give us a space to step into.
The place where I first met Yoon Nam-woong’s artworks was at Daein Market in downtown Gwangju. When the old market, where I used to go grocery shopping with my mom as a child, was gradually emptying out because of the newly emerging shopping malls, young artists came into the vacated shopping areas and created their own work spaces. One by one, small, unique galleries were created like nothing I had seen before, and people began to visit Daein Market to see their artworks. I remember that “The Arts Market” was opened every weekend and that my family also went to Daein Market to enjoy the various artistic works as well as the fresh foods.
“Some people have wondered if I’m trying to save on paints. Actually, no. I use a lot. When I color, I don’t color an object all at once. Because of the nature of oil paints, it takes some time to dry. I apply one color and leave it on the canvas to soak in. If I wipe it off before the paint dries, the canvas is lightly colored. Then I add another color, brushing it on the canvas horizontally and vertically like weaving cloth.”
Why do humans want to be connected? Why do they want to reach farther and higher? To compete and to conquer? For high returns? To control? To Seo Kee-moon, humans have to be connected to communicate, share, and be happy with each other. The direction of his vigorous force and energy are symbolized in his latest work “Cable Flower” in his most recent exhibition Metaverse.
The Expressions exhibition at Gwangju University is a collaboration of six talented foreign women who are currently residing in Gwangju. The theme “Expressions” came about as an opportunity for each to share their own perspectives on expat living, as well as to express their thoughts on the current global climate, both in public and personal ways. Each artist, with her own creative liberties, was able to reflect and form beautiful revelations for her artwork.
“This is my mission: to find the beauty in women as being strong, confident, and challenging.”
