My paintings were supposed to be shown at the IMF(International Monetary Fund). 
The show was intended for the special event that was supposed to happen. 
The whole event was supposed to introduce Korean heritage, and my passport series, which depicts my culture and cultural identity was the ideal fit for the show. 
However, due to the Covid-19 everything has stopped and it has impacted in the most unexpected way. 

All paintings are 36 x 48 inches.


Unseen

2020 feels different and it is different compare to any other years.
The reality of human-ness revealed itself with hatred and discrimination.
As a minor living abroad, it is a tough time to face. 
As a painter, I believe art speaks the truth and it holds such a power to contain a message. 

My work depicts the culturally dislocated moment that is inspired by the South Korean's passport.
The passport itself offers a rich cultural context through patterns and colors. At the same time it speaks my identity as a Korean. 

I dissect each pattern, choose one and exaggerate it then treat them as if it's an emoji. 

Systemic Change

My work is a result of an exploration of the gap between painting and sculpture. Working in both two-dimensional painting and three-dimensional sculptural painting allowed a distinct and inclusive approach.

Abstract is present, composed on the surface by painting and constructing with the use of dislocated forms, layers and vivid colors that are referenced by South Korean passport. A non-narrative context of the sculptural painting is a metaphorical reference of moving from place to place, which is coupled with cross-experience of living in both Korea and America. 

As a culturally dislocated artist, I recognize these concepts of ‘home’ and ‘being welcomed’ were blurred and unknowing. These concepts allude to a full curiosity to express a sense of space and movement into a visual form, which echoes into a sense of new start in a new place. 

The work process demands to recreate and revisit the moment into a visual form that is woven with multiple layers, lines, geometric/organic shapes, and mark-making. I compose through coats of vivid paints to show my internal inquiries to external projection. I let my instincts to arrange, stack, and layer each dislocated elements and construct a sense of space on an untreated surface. 



Add

Kevin Kwon