Artist Statement
Chan Joong “Kevin” Kwon
Korean folk art and traditions have been accented with bright vibrant colors that have created a mold for Korean culture. My work has been influenced aesthetically by both Korean folk art and my exposure to Western oil painting technique.
The passage of a metaphorical journey from darkness to light is shown through the use of my colors. Each brush stroke created is coated with a vivid color. It is an external projection of how internally I am trying to find a piece of childhood memories from South Korea. Each line and form is the action of revisiting what I think are my childhood memories recreated into a visual form. There is a conflict, yet it does not feel vengeful, but more playful and euphoric. Each painting is an expression of ever changing identity of being a Korean in America. If I could profess one attraction that is deeply engrained in me, it is my love of color.
kevinkwon@live.com
540-629-5635