An Interview With Sukhyung Kang
Sukhyung Kang focuses on painting itself. His work is faithful to his instincts, and do not rely on a conceptual understanding of aesthetics. Using oil paints and spray paint, the artist fills the canvas with abstract forms whose lines emphasize spontaneity through the speed and rhythm of his brushstrokes. The act of painting remains visible in the final works. Rather than relying on meaning imbued in the individual elements of the work, the paintings rely on the holistic experience of the viewer and the inherent power of image to stimulate intuitive sensibilities and associations. The artist emphasizes the qualities inherent to the medium such as colour, line and form.
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I'm a fine art artist based in South Korea, working mainly with oil and oil pastels, and I love manga.
Describe your artistic process and how it has evolved since you began painting?
I think I learned the step of getting to know myself more as I started working alone after graduating from school. As time goes by, everyone's tastes become firm and the people around them change as well. As I continue to work alone continues, I constantly think about what I'm pursuing, and the style of painting changes little by little. Perhaps as the emotions and values I feel in my life change, they influence my work little by little.
How has street art and graffiti influenced your style?
I seek freedom and when I was living in London, I came across a lot of graffiti on the street, and I incorporated the unconscious motivation inherent in their way of working, their deviant behaviour, and their free appearance into the work. I was also inspired by the sense of freedom that graffiti art offers without the constraints of space. And what inspired me to create the character was also inspired by graffiti artists' unique character images and signatures.
What role do line and form play in your work?
The words we read and write begin with lines, and we see, learn, and communicate through those images. If you give a child without an ego something to draw with, they will draw lines over and over again, and in my work, lines are the simplest and purest images of emotion, the language of the unconscious that we all have. I use lines to create works that are not just paintings, but also performances. It is easy to read the direction of the line and it has an expressive power that allows the viewer to imagine how I have drawn it. I don't think there's anything more emotionally evocative than the image of a line.
Is there one piece or project you are especially proud of?
I don't have a favourite piece that I'm proud of. I try not to be particularly attached to a piece of work because there are so many more to come. I'm not particularly proud of it, but I think my first solo exhibition was special because it was my first experience and it was a wonderful experience to learn how the exhibition was conducted. I was really happy when I sold my work for the first time while living through the exhibition.
Your earliest memory of art?
When I was a kid, I loved cartoons so much, and I used to draw my favourite characters everyday. Over time, I naturally had a desire to draw better. So I asked my parents to send me an art academy.
Who or what is your biggest artistic inspiration?
I'm very inspired by all contemporary artists. Including performance, installation, video art, everything.
Are there any particular artists that you are currently enjoying?
Taylor Anton White. If I had to say one favourite artist, it would be Taylor!
What is your favourite book or film and why?
The secret life of Walter Mitty (2013). Because we are souls chasing dreams. This movie is great reminder to never give up chasing your dream and I want to say this is an important mindset for all artists.
Are you working on any projects you are particularly excited about?
Yes. I have a solo exhibition coming up in May. It's my first solo show in two years, so I'm both excited and nervous. Stay tuned for more details!