Artist based in Seoul, South Korea
Sangun Park, Portrait of the Artist
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
During my undergraduate years in 2019
Con te partirò, 2023, Oil On Canvas, 25 x 25 Inches
“My work is based on objects or animals that I have encountered. I take my own photographs and either arrange the discovered images or use them as they are."
Où tu vas, il fait trop froid, 2024, Oil On Canvas, 42 x 82 Inches
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
My work is based on objects or animals that I have encountered. I take my own photographs and either arrange the discovered images or use them as they are. If additional images are needed, I also search for them online. However, I mainly prefer to work based on photos that I have taken myself.
lifelong struggles, 2024, Oil On Canvas, 34 x 36 Inches
Studio view
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
For inspiration, I often try to engage in conversations with various people and spend a lot of time wandering through old stores or nature in search of interesting or captivating images.
Studio view
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
Personally, I do not favor sketching, so I place importance on exploring and discovering intriguing images. To begin my work, I enjoy the process of gathering visual materials for inspiration from nature, farms, and antique stores. After selecting visually convincing and interesting images, I write down the thoughts that arise while observing them. I choose a background color that matches the emotion of the image or concept, then arrange it on the canvas according to my aesthetic standards. Throughout the process of creating or painting the image, I incorporate the thoughts and situations that arise, gradually completing the artwork.
Studio view
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
I have a style where I directly apply the brush to the canvas without sketching. Instead of sketching, I express the arrangement of the painting through writing. I set up the shapes and sizes with rough brush strokes that resemble silhouettes and then refine the shapes by adding details.
Work in progress in the studio
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
I try to align my condition as much as possible and prefer to keep things simple outside of my work. I usually have multiple copies of the same clothes and play videos while working. However, for the sake of mental health, I consider social life important and engage in hobbies like sports.
Who are your biggest influences?
Whether someone merely crosses my path, forms a deep connection, dislikes or likes me, everyone who has been a part of my existence has had the greatest influence on me. Among them, fundamentally, the presence of my family, who quietly watch over my path, seems to be the most significant.
Studio view
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
*Crayon Shin-chan: The Big Adventure in Henderland* (1996) did not have a direct influence on my imagery, but I believe it is an important work in shaping my identity as a child. "Hender" means "strange" in Japanese, and I grew up watching the *Crayon Shin-chan* TV series. *The Big Adventure in Henderland* is the theatrical version of this TV series, which evokes childlike wonder while depicting a fantasy world set in modern times. The film masterfully blends absurdity, horror, and humor. Although video and painting are different fields, I aspire to be an artist who can express such a mix of genres and emotions.
Silent Clamor 2023, Oil On Canvas, 57 x 46 Inches
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Since life is something no one can take responsibility for, I am not the type of person to seek advice from others, so I don't have any particularly memorable pieces of advice. However, during my undergraduate years, I asked the professors I respect, James Williams and Tony Shore, to continue watching over me, even if my growth might be slow, both as a person and as an artist. They assured me that they would. I believe their support and presence in watching my path has had the greatest influence on me. I also hope to be someone who can watch over others' dreams, just like they are doing for me.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
I am still in the early stages of my career as an artist, so I cannot provide clear answers or advice to others. However, in my view, being an artist is not solely about skill; it must be chosen by the times. Of course, skill is important, but it is equally crucial that the images, concepts, or ideas an artist naturally creates align with the era's circumstances, political trends, and market preferences.
Photo references serves as both my practice and process.
Ironically, even if we fully understand and acknowledge these factors, it remains questionable whether we can create works that align with them. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: we cannot easily give up what we love. I have witnessed many of my peers, both during my undergraduate years and after graduate school, stop creating art. However, over time, I have seen them organize their thoughts and either return to their chosen path at the right time for themselves or, though no longer actively practicing art, engage in other professions within the art field.
Everyone has different portfolios and opportunities, and this field is financially difficult to survive in. I am aware of this, so I cannot simply say to others that they must wait for the right moment or rely solely on their efforts. However, I truly love art and fear regretting or quitting, I will continue to work on it, step by step, even if it is later than others.
Portrait of the artist
Stay up to date with Sangun Park
Instagram @laughing_devil_friend_97