‘Printmaking techniques, such as paper-cutting, copperplate, silkscreen and image transfer, embody spatiality and symbolise the structure of time and space.’
Artist: 정주은 / Chung Ju Eun
Artistic style: Etchings and silkscreen prints influenced by Goguryeo tomb murals
Biggest artistic influence: Her art professor Seung Hee Kang
About the artist
Chung is a printmaker based in South Korea. Chung graduated from the University of Hong-Ik in South Korea in 1994, where she studied printmaking. Following this, Chung has also studied illustration at Art Centre College of Design in Pasadena, California, USA (1999), and graduated MA in Printmaking at Rhode Island School of Design in Rhode Island Providence, USA (2008).
Early career
After finishing study abroad in 1999, Chung worked at entertainment company as a game and animation background painter, and an illustrator at an advertisement company. Later, she returned to America to study under an MA, and after graduation alongside working as a professional artist, Chung taught printmaking at the university, organised a printmaking studio and learning programmes in the gallery. It was at this time that she began exhibiting her works in both solo and group exhibitions.
Artistic profile
‘Chung’s etchings and silkscreen prints are influenced by Korea’s Goguryeo tomb murals, which are almost all of what survives of the Goguryeo culture, one of the old Three Kingdoms of Korea. Typically using two contrasting colours, and sharp textural juxtapositions, she combines reproductions of tomb images with motifs that are symbolic of time and space: calendars, clocks, timetables maps, for example. Attentive to the metaphoric potential of the time-consuming, multi-staged processes involved in printing, and through the schematic layering and intersection of image and form (ancient and modern), she aims to embody a kind of temporal and spatial truth.’
Can you tell me more about the theme behind your art?
My theme is inspired by the wall painting from Goguryeo (the late Korean empire that existed over 1,000 years ago) that I am still researching and working on for 20 years, after I graduated the university. I’m keen on using different materials so that I can make it in three-dimensions which might allow me to make an artwork that can communicate with more audience.
When you start new pieces, what does your creative process look like? Do you plan each piece out before you start, or do you let the piece come to life as you go?
I need to draw what I want, rather than what the public wants. Sometimes I start with the detailed plan, but also flexible to change it to better way during the process. I try to forget about it for a couple of days and try again, or I research more about the theme and try it in different ways.
Who inspires you?
My professor, Seung Hee Kang. He has taught me art since I was a high school student. Through him I learned not only about technique but also a mind as an artist. He is now teaching future artists at Chugye University for the Arts, Seoul..
Do you have a favourite piece of art that you’ve created?
Goguryeo-Tumulus of Time and Space 2158_silkscreen_2021 / I created this with the silk screen
Do you have any advice for artists who are just starting out?
Don’t be rushed to achieve something within a short time.
What do you hope people take away from your artwork?
I hope the audiences could think about their past, present and future, just like my theme of works. I can have a life that always creates something.
Faye’s comment
Admittedly I have limited knowledge about Goguryeo, and as such I feel a little reluctant to pass on any information about it, and the culture that inspires Chung’s work, but I do know that Goguryeo was one of the old three Kingdoms of Korea (Goguryeo, Baekje & Silla). The history behind these three Kingdoms, and their unification is really interesting. If you want to learn more, as a good starting point the KCCUK has a great article, which can be found by clicking here. I would love to learn more about the Tomb murals the artist describes so that I can get a better understanding of her work. If you are reading this and have some knowledge to share, please do get in touch 🙂
The artist advises that she does not have an online presence, but examples of her work can be found by reviewing the artist brochure provided by Korean Art London here.
A special thank you to Kim Yeunjin of Korean Art London for her considerable efforts in translating.