SUN YUN PARK

1. Short introduction about your background and where grew up?

I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. Even though Seoul was already a big, busy city at the time, I grew up in a small village on its outskirts. Several families lived close together, and it was common for doors to stay open. Sharing meals with neighbors was so familiar that no plans were needed. I grew up surrounded by people who were used to being together rather than valuing personal space.

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2. What are some of your biggest inspirations when it comes to your art? How have they influenced your work?

What influences my work the most is, ultimately, people. The memories of those around me are a major theme in my paintings. People possess many unique characteristics that define them, even without faces. The traces of time that are felt in the elderly or the unrefined gestures of children—these moments, where such features are clearly visible, become valuable materials for my art.

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3. Can you describe a moment or experience that profoundly impacted your artistic journey? How did this shape your creative direction?

It was the moment I arrived in Germany. Until then, when I thought of memories, I focused only on things that were precious or important. But just a few days after arriving, as I walked among a crowd of strangers, I suddenly realized, quite obviously, that no one here knew me. That unfamiliar feeling was slightly frightening. Neighbors whose first meetings I couldn't even recall, friends from the neighborhood with whom I exchanged only brief greetings—these small things, I realized, are important elements that enrich our lives. From that moment on, I became more interested in the simple and ordinary, rather than the grand and extravagant, and I grew to love the everyday and the unremarkable.

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4. Are there any specific tools or materials that you prefer to use in your creations? How do these choices affect the outcomes of your work?

Since I work with oil paints, there isn’t anything particularly special about the tools or materials I use. To me, the appeal of painting lies in its ordinariness, where everyone uses the same tools. The only difference is that I use water-miscible oil paints, which means I use water instead of traditional solvents. While regular oil paints can feel toxic due to the materials used during the process, with water-miscible paints, I can maintain the same texture of oil painting while making the process much easier and more convenient.

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5. What themes or subjects do you gravitate towards in your art? Can you explain your affinity for these topics? 

Since my undergraduate years, I have consistently worked on the theme of memory using various materials. Memory, though uncertain, is mine, and I believe it is the reason for life or life itself. Someone said that we cannot judge the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. In the midst of people rushing through life, I think it’s important to reflect on what we are losing or what we have chosen to remember.

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6. Do you find yourself exploring new subjects over time, or do you focus on a particular niche? What drives you to explore these new areas, if applicable?

I try to discipline myself to explore a single theme in depth as much as possible. I need to feel that I’ve fully covered a subject before moving on to the next. Only then can I convince the viewers. Of course, while working, I often find myself drawn to areas outside my main theme and feel a desire to explore them. However, I’m careful not to let my scattered focus interfere with the viewer’s understanding of the work.

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7. Can you walk me through your creative process, from conception to completion? How does each stage contribute to your final piece?

I first observe and study people I encounter on the streets or in daily life. I intentionally limit or omit other scenery so that the focus remains on the people. After observing, I sketch or recall their figures and start by drawing them on small 24x18 cm canvases. In this process, light and memory play a significant role. For those small pieces that align well with my intent, I later create larger paintings that match life-sized proportions.

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8. How do you deal with creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

I try to prevent those situations by setting specific times to work and sticking to a regular routine. For me, having a routine is an important source of inspiration. However, when I inevitably feel exhausted, I choose a nice day to go outside. Seeing people living their daily lives with purpose helps me regain inspiration and motivation.