Exploring the Interwoven Threads of Emotion and Memory: A Journey Through The Language of Lines and Braids

During a recent visit to Ji Hyun-jung's studio, I delved into the depths of her creative process, unveiling a tapestry woven with emotion, memory, and cultural symbolism. Her work, a symphony of lines and colors, speaks to the complexity of human connections and the introspective journey of self-discovery.

The Dance of Relationships and Emotions

The artist's exploration of relationships and connections extends beyond self-reflection. "I want to emphasize the relationship and connection in memories," she explained. "We bond with emotions or memories with people, and that's what I want to highlight in this piece."

Her work invites us to consider the intricate dance of relationships, whether with ourselves or others. The figures and threads in her paintings serve as mediums that connect the artist with her audience, fostering a shared experience of introspection and discovery.

*Ianina: Your exhibition, "THREAD: Bound by Fate," has created quite a buzz. Can you tell us about the significance of the braided lines and threads in your work?

*Ji Hyun-jung: Absolutely. Lines are important to me," she shared. The braided lines and threads are central to my work, representing the emotional connections and memories that bind us. These elements are like threads slicing through water, symbolizing the flow of emotions and relationships. Each line, whether braided or straight, carries its own story, echoing the complexities of life.

When asked about the contrasting forms of lines in her pieces—some braided and entangled, others clean and straight—she revealed an intriguing concept. "I lay this piece as a flow of stillness," she explained. "It's almost like looking at my old memories, like sitting and staring at calm water, reflecting on my inner feelings."

A Palette of Dreams and Realities

*Ianina: The use of color, particularly blue, seems to play a significant role in your pieces. What inspired this choice?

*Ji Hyun-jung: I chose blue to create a dreamlike atmosphere, a space that transcends reality. I wanted the work to evoke a sense of calm and introspection, almost like looking at a galaxy. The colors are meant to transport viewers to a world of imagination and reflection.

*Ianina: Your exhibition has been described as a "landscape of emotions." How do you perceive the interplay between beauty and unease in your work?

*Ji Hyun-jung: My work often appears romantic and beautiful on the surface, but beneath that lies a world of tension and complexity. The flowing lines, particularly the wavy hair, delve into the intricate connections between emotions and memories. I aim to draw viewers into a contemplative space where they can explore their own inner worlds.

Her pieces, rich with Korean symbols and cultural references, serve as a bridge between personal and universal experiences. Each artwork is a self-reflection, a mirror of emotions and memories that resonate with viewers on a profound level.

The Artistic Journey: A Tale of Expression and Escape

The artist's journey into painting began in high school, where she found solace in art during a challenging time. "I met a really good art teacher," she recalled. "I was having a hard time making friends, and art became my escape." Through painting, she discovered a voice for her stories, a means of expressing emotions she once kept hidden.

Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of art, a medium through which she found her place and purpose. As she continues to explore new techniques and materials, her work remains a vibrant celebration of expression, inviting us all to embrace the beauty of emotion 

*Ianina: How has your artistic journey evolved since your first solo exhibition in L.A.?

*Ji Hyun-jung: My style has certainly evolved. When I was in the States, my work had a darker, more complex feel. Since moving to Korea, my pieces have become brighter and more stable. The change in environment has influenced my artistic expression, allowing me to explore new themes and techniques.

*Ianina: What message do you hope to convey to your audience through this exhibition?

*Ji Hyun-jung: I want to give the audience a moment to pause and reflect on their own inner world. My art serves as a guide on the journey of self-reflection, inviting viewers to explore the connections, entanglements, and emotions that shape our lives. If my work can inspire even a small moment of introspection, that would be my greatest fulfillment as an artist.

*Ianina: Your exhibition combines elements of traditional Eastern art, Western painting, and modern illustration. How do you see this fusion shaping your artistic identity?

*Ji Hyun-jung: This fusion allows me to create a unique visual language that resonates with diverse audiences. By blending these elements, I can express the complexities of life and emotion in a way that is both familiar and innovative. It reflects my journey as an artist, constantly evolving and exploring new possibilities.

*Ianina: As you look to the future, what are your goals and aspirations as an artist?

*Ji Hyun-jung: I hope to hold solo exhibitions abroad, perhaps in Europe, to share my work with a wider audience. I also aspire to create larger, more challenging pieces, pushing the boundaries of my craft. Ultimately, I want to continue evolving as an artist, exploring new themes and techniques that inspire myself and my viewers.

In Conclusion, what I've Learned from this private and cozy conversation:

• The artist uses braided hair-like threads to symbolize emotional connections and memories.
• Lines in the artwork represent relationships and connections, with different forms indicating varying emotional states.
• The artist aims for the artwork to evoke a dreamlike or otherworldly feel, using colors like blue to resemble a galaxy
• Self-Reflection and Relationships in Art
• One piece is a self-reflection with calm water and clean lines, while another emphasizes relationships and connections.
• Figures and threads in the paintings serve as mediums to connect people, including the artist and the viewer.
• The artist uses Korean symbols and the color blue to create a dreamlike quality, avoiding a realistic depiction.
• Artistic Process and Material Choices
• The artist doesn't make separate sketches but starts with a pencil outline, allowing the painting to flow quickly.
• Originally, one background was yellow to evoke a desert memory, but it was changed to blue for a calmer feel.
• The artist uses squash and hanji paper for a traditional Korean painting feel, and canvas for a more illustrative style.
• The artist's style has evolved, becoming brighter and clearer since moving to Korea, reflecting a more stable state of mind.
• The artist is inspired by James Jean, Yuko Higuchi, Alex Chinneck, and others, drawing from both Korean and international influences.
• The artist spends most of the time in the studio, driven by a passion to express stories and feelings through painting.
• The artist sometimes discards or revisits sketches, learning to let go and find new perspectives.
• The artist aims to have a solo show abroad and create larger paintings to challenge artistic abilities.

Ji Hyun-jung's exhibition, "THREAD: Bound by Fate," is a captivating exploration of the human experience, a dance of lines and colors that invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys through the intricate threads of emotion and memory. Her work, characterized by its vibrant colors and introspective themes, is a reminder that through creativity, we can find connection, understanding, and ultimately, ourselves. The exhibition runs through August 23, offering a month-long journey into the artist's profound and intricate inner world.

Note:

Ji Hyun-jung's solo exhibition, “THREAD: Bound by Fate”, kicked off with a sold-out opening reception. Explore the unseen connections and the narrative of memories. The exhibition's opening is generating a lot of buzz, thanks to the meeting between the artist and the critic. The opening reception of Ji Hyun-jung's solo exhibition, "Thread: Bound by Fate," at K-LIZ Gallery in Seoul's Gangnam-gu on July 25 was a huge success, drawing a large crowd of art industry insiders and visitors. The event kicked off with a personal introduction by Ji Hyun-jung, the artist, who shared her creative world and exhibition experiences, fostering a genuine connection with the audience. Professor Ian Robertson, who reviewed the exhibition, described Ji Hyun-jung's artistic world as a "landscape of emotions" and provided a thoughtful analysis that resonated deeply with the audience. Professor Ian Robertson noted that while Ji Hyun-jung's work appears romantic and beautiful on the surface, beneath that lies a world that can be both agonizing and sublime, and is always on the verge of explosion. He added that the work's depiction of a flowing line of good, particularly the wavy hair, delves into the intricate connections between emotions and memories, drawing the viewer into a contemplative space through the intense contrast between beauty and unease. "Thread: Bound by Fate" kicks off a month-long journey, delving into the artist's profound and intricate inner world as they weave through the threads of fate that bind them. "I aimed to bring to life on screen the intricate stories that emotions weave, from the unseen yet palpable 'emotional reality' to the connections, entanglements, disconnections, and heartbreaks that it gives rise to," Ji Hyun-jung explained. For the author, 'sil' is a core motif that embodies the flow of emotions, the echoes of memories, and the threads that connect relationships. The artist's work, characterized by its intricate tension beneath a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, is praised for its ability to penetrate the intricate complexities of life and emotion. The characters in the work delve deeply into their emotions through a gaze that looks inward, rather than outward, capturing the moment of quiet introspection. The artist explained, "I wanted to give the audience a moment to pause in front of the painting and reflect on their inner world, rather than getting bogged down in complex interpretations." She added, "If my art can serve as a small guide on that journey of self-reflection, that would be the greatest fulfillment for me as an artist." This exhibition, featuring the unique world of Ji Hyun-jung's work, which combines the lines of traditional Eastern art, the colors of Western painting, and the sensibilities of modern illustration, will run through August 23. “THREAD: Bound by Fate” Ji Hyun Jung solo show Exhibition Period: July 23, 2025 (Wednesday) - August 23, 2025 (Saturday)