kwang kwang

Korean Illustrator Kwang appreciates the essence of all things Korean. While majoring in visual design at college, he was moved by his professor, a man who so often lamented the brutal manner in which Korea’s artistic identity was violated during the Japanese occupation. A fire soon ignited inside of Kwang, emboldening him to preserve the wonders of Korean art after graduation. Since launching his “Korean Dream” project, he has encouraged a pool of budding local creatives to reconnect with their heritage and promote the grandeur of traditional paintings on a global stage.

To keep things relatable and hip, Kwang often combines globally renowned motifs with old school stylistics influenced by Baekje architecture, Hanbok attire and Gugak music. His artistic interpretation revives history in the minds of the masses, compelling us all to open our minds to possibilities past and present.

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utoori

From the totemistic masks of indigenous cultures to retro tattoos and graffiti-esque illustrations, Korean artist Utoori’s colorful expressions provide an insight into a quirky yet incredibly enchanting mind. Inspired by Picasso and his fragmented human forms, Utoori showcases the vivid contrast between his disorganized self and a desire for a more structured and fortified state of mind. In a shamanistic sense, his stacked close-ups form a potent mirror and mode of self-analysis from which to achieve balance in this oftentimes topsy-turvy world. 

If you care to gaze into their abstract eyes, you will see just how Utoori’s works capture the raw and unapologetically honest details of our unfathomable lives. As protective forces and talismans, his powerful portraits startle and embolden us with visual stories that although awkward at first glance, grow upon one’s heart in an relatable fashion over time. 

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hyw-wook jeong

Using the traditional ott-chil (Korean lacquer) method, Korean artist Hye-Wook Jeong expresses different facets of nature so as to celebrate longevity, integrity, prosperity and national morale. She embeds her deepest wishes into the lacquer as she goes in the belief that they will prosper for over a thousand years. For her, these wishes spread into the fabric of the universe in a way that preserves their authenticity over time.

As well as rendering the canvas resistant to insects, water, and humidity, ott-chil creates a luxurious sense of depth. Within this depth, one can marvel at the subtle curves, milky sheen, and graceful lunar forms of Hye-Wook’s Dalhangari (Moon Jars). Made in two parts with an imperfectly beautiful join line in the center, the top and bottom halves are said to give away pieces of their individual selves in an effort to remain forever as one. These tiny surface level cracks reflect the sacrifices Hye-Wook makes in the name of her craft as well as for the ones she loves. In many respects, traditional pottery becomes a stabilizing force, converting the vitality of her majestic pines and blooming jacarandas into an organic and optimistic tribute for all to behold. 

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