Interview
Min Gu Kweon
Min Gu Kweon is a Korean painter. He first started to paint after a high school art teacher taught him a variety of art techniques. He enjoys drawing and also listening to music - with music being one of his biggest inspirations.
Every time he draws, he is aware that coincidences make his works more beautiful. He has made himself a promise: to be the most influential artist of the 21st century.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I grew up in Korea, but at the age of 14, when I was in middle school, I moved to the United States to study. In Korea, I wasn't very interested in the art field, but I really enjoyed doodling as a hobby. In high school, I took my first art class where I met an unforgettable art teacher, Mrs. Maddox.
The 3 years I spent in her classes were the starting point of my art career. Each of her classes always started with reading an art history book before moving on to the actual lesson of the day. She taught us a huge variety of art techniques as well as attitudes toward art. Even though I had no clear dream, art was fun for me.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issue?
“When I paint, I’m in my own world and paint only for myself. My paintings are generally dark, even if the colors are bright. Perhaps this is because of my personality and lifestyle. I find that spending time alone is important, so loneliness is an essential feeling for me. I also feel a lot of other emotions which come and go, and I try to show this in each work.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“Sometimes I plan my work in advance, but most of the time I create impulsively. Because of this, it can take me 1 hour to complete a particular art piece, or it can take up to a year. Usually, topics are set when drawing multiple paintings.”
“I don't want to keep up with art trends. If I don't keep up with trends, I won't be able to make money right now, but I still think my paintings are valuable. However, I can’t say that my work isn’t affected by trends at all.
It’s the same with music. I like old songs, but that doesn't mean I hate the trendy songs of nowadays. I still listen to them.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“I mainly use heavy body acrylic paints. I think each one has its advantages and disadvantages, but I prefer acrylic over oil if used well. Sometimes I like to layer a texture before I paint. I think everything can be a tool by just getting paint on it. The most unusual tools I’ve ever used to paint are tools made of leaves and toothpicks.”
What does your art mean to you?
“I have only sold a few of my works, so I’ve spent a long time with each art piece. Because of this, I’ve become attached to each piece. Every one of my works is very precious to me. I want my work to be recognized, not by my name, but by making each piece that I create a superior and a perfect work of art.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“My favorite artwork is one of my own pieces. It’s a 12"x16" acrylic picture called ‘Sunflower’. It's one of my early paintings, and it has a pure feel to it. In the past, I really hurt someone that I liked. This painting was my way of saying sorry. I feel more comfortable expressing it in pictures than in words.”
Instagram: @alsrnrnjs
