As a Korean artist in London, ‘dislocation’ has been my main interest. During 2012 – 2015, I explored the notion of distance in different spheres: psychological and emotional distance within people and geographical and physical distance between places and people. My recent series of works expand my interests into people’s daily lives in the streets, trains and pubs, particularly of a street market in south London near my studio. My paintings developed out of an interest in the intimate moments of people, which unveil the different layers of human relationships.

​

​

I am fascinated by the way in which emotions and vulnerability of life can be dramatised into intimate or even awkward moments. This body of works is based upon the short memory following quick observations – sometimes repetitive – through daily encounters. Intrigued by scenes around myself, I try to convey the vulnerability of these individuals by capturing the intense moments within small-scale paintings. I aim to build up my own narrative on top of their stories. I believe that these small moments are, though ephemeral, strong enough to show the fragmented truth of life.

​

​

Apart from the mundane life, literature is another important source from which I take inspiration for the structure of narrative. More recently ‘The Magic Mountain’ by T. Mann, ‘The Master and Margarita’ by M. Bulgakov, ‘Adultery’ by P. Coelho, ‘The Heart of Darkness’ by J. Conrad and ‘The Vegetarian’ by H. Kang, have all deeply influenced me. The narrative from literature is played as a subject or as a moment. I intend to deliver my credibility to the viewer by playing the contrast between real and created-real on the surface of painting.

Since finishing Turps Studio Programme in London in 2017, I have focused on painting in my studio in Dalston, London.

​

​