Tell us about yourself, how did you become an artist?
Sukhyung Kang from Seoul, South Korea. His work is inspired by street art which is graffiti and contemporary art. Through random images and patterns he focused on creating vivid colorful works showcasing his childhood obsessions and compulsion to modern art.
What is your background? and how did it inform the focus of your creative exploration or the medium you're currently working with?
I was a child who liked to draw cartoons and I went to art academy because of I wanted to draw better. I attended art middle school and high school and naturally became more greedy for art.
I only learned the technical things until I graduated from college. All the schools I attended taught only classical art. And I had a little knowledge of abstract paintings. I wanted to study about modern art and changed everything about my stereotype of art since I went to London. It was an opportunity to think again about the new concept and expression of art, and the position of art that I have done so far.
While I was looking for an expression that would fit the theme of my work 'Rebellion', I was inspired by the graffiti over the street and came to use the spray paint together.
What ideas interested you in the beginning of your practice, which ideas have you continued to explore, and where have they led you?
I take out the works I have done in the past and look at them for a long time and think about whether the meaning I was trying to express was well given. Also I think about why I like it while I watching my favorite works.
Who were and are the biggest sources of your inspiration?
Many young contemporary artists. Taylor white, Austin Lee, George Morton-Clark, Katherina Grosse, and Dan Colen. They are my favorite.
Where do you find inspiration?
Today's fashion, trend, street graffiti, music, and philosophy.
Is there are a single work, project, or series that is pivotal in your current trajectory?
There are no single work, project, or series for my current trajectory. Visiting various contemporary art galleries, my attitude toward work has changed. I'm a painter, but I felt that I needed to study and work on modern art to go further.
How did it begin? and how did it evolve?
It reminded me of the concept of painting and exhibition. Through the concept of forming space and the composition and arrangement of the picture, I learned that space can also be a work. I was greatly inspired to create another work through the installation of works.
What were important lessons in the process that you’ve carried forward with you?
Don't be rush and don't push yourself so hard. Don't be impatient with other people's advise. And keep studying by yourself.
What are you working on now?
Planning two exhibitions.
I'm preparing for the solo exhibition and the group exhibition next year.
If you could go back in time to the very beginning of your art practice and give your younger self a single piece of advice what would it be?
Feel grateful that you can do art. And enjoy the moment you are doing art now.
About the Artist
Based in Seoul, South Korea
Sukhyung Kang from Seoul, South Korea. His work is inspired by street art which is graffiti and contemporary art. Through random images and patterns he focused on creating vivid colorful works showcasing his childhood obsessions and compulsion to modern art.
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sukhyung.com
