.artist talk
*Seungjin Yang
written & interview Nikkolos Mohammed
POP: like many artistic processes and creative outlets — have a look.
When you close your eyes you may visualize vibratious colors, things most people experience through childhood, and a unique presentation.
Some people’s expectations of art may be opposite of POP Art and may consider it kitsch because of the expectation of high conceptual value, separate from mass market media, removed cultural signifiers, and appreciation for functionality.
Seungjin Yang’s art uses a universally innocent symbol such as balloons and creates structure through furniture. This marriage falls between the interesting space of mass appreciation and respected fine art.
Seungjin Yang
Studio view seen by Seungjin Yang
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART PRACTICE RELATIVE TO LIFE AND CULTURE OF TODAY’S TIME?
Regardless of the age, people always think that they like something new and fun. The art activities I do now have a lot to do with the current era, but it is difficult to explain because it is not what I think and work on.
WHAT WERE YOU MAKING BEFORE THE BALLON FURNITURE?
I majored in Metal Design and Design in University. Perhaps from such an influence, I made furniture out of aluminum and made my graduation work.
WHAT CAME FIRST? THE IDEA OF USING BALLOONS? OR THE IDEA OF MAKING FURNITURE? WHAT IS YOUR AFFINITY TO THE MATERIAL OR THE FUNCTIONALITY?
When I first started working, I was doing research on epoxy resins. In the meantime, I had an idea to apply it to balloons, and it continued to develop and came this far. The first step is to apply epoxy to the balloon.
Seungjin Yang
participating Salon del Mobile 2021 for DIOR Maison
seen by Sungmin Kim
.artist talk
Seungjin Yang
speaks with
Nikkolos Mohammed
first published in
Issue Nr. 31, POP ISSUE, 02/2021
Seungjin Yang
Studio view, collection of works
seen by Seugjin Yang
YOU DESCRIBE IN YOUR WORK PROCESS THAT YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN USING AN UNSTABLE MATERIAL AND APPLYING IT TO A FUNCTIONALITY THAT NEEDS STABILITY. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN APPLYING THE BALLOONS TO OTHER SYSTEMS OF STABILITY OTHER THAN FURNITURE?
I haven't thought of anything other than furniture or lighting yet. I think the furniture and lighting are the most fun ways to express what I do.
HOW CLOSE IN PROXIMITY DO YOU WANT TO BE CONSIDERED WITH IDEA OF “POP”?
How my work is perceived and presented to people does not come from my efforts. I do the work I want, and I think the public will evaluate them.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE FOR YOUR ART PRACTICE TO DEVELOP?
I want to keep making new and interesting things.
SOME ARTISTS ARE RESERVED BY THE RELATION TO THE TITLE “POP ART”, WITH FEARS OF THE ARTIST PRACTICE LACKING EXPECTATION OR NEED TO PRODUCE THE SAME WORK OVER AND OVER AGAIN. ALSO, INTRIGUED WITH THE IDEA OF INTERNATIONAL NOTORIETY AND COMMERCIAL ATTENTION. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BOTH SIDES OF THE COIN?
As I said earlier, I do not work while thinking first about how my work will be evaluated. I think that I have to do the work I want to do and accept that it is being evaluated.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR ART PRACTICE FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE?
It's a pleasure to be able to create what I want to express.
Seungjin Yang
Salon del Mobile 2021 for DIOR Maison
seen by Sungmin Kim