ARTIST STATEMENT
Historically, landscape art functioned as nationalistic propaganda, creating a national consciousness around famous landmarks. I want to investigate this nationalistic understanding of land, grounded on possession, and challenge the idea of national boundaries. I draw from the Korean landscape art tradition and abstract art to seek liberative ways of relating to land. Sansuhwa (山水畵) refers to a traditional genre of Korean painting. “Sansuhwa” is derived from the Chinese characters for “mountains” and “water.” This art form is rooted in East Asian artistic traditions and philosophy, emphasizing harmony and balance in nature. Humans do not stand above nature but is one part of nature that seeks to live in harmony with other aspects of nature. These traditional paintings are not literal representations but an idealization as a way to embody the spirit and essence of nature. We do not possess land. We are in an ever evolving relationship to the land. Land does not belong to us. We belong to the land.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
A recent recipient of Great Meadows Foundation grant, Suyun Son is an artist working out of Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated with Bachelors of Fine Arts in South Korea and Master of Fine Arts at the University of Louisville. She has taught studio art at the University of Louisville and Jefferson Technical Community College. Most recently, her artwork was screen printed at 4th Street Live as part of the Street Art program, and awarded 2nd place in the exhibition, “Artistry Unveiled.” She has exhibited at multiple galleries. Through multidisciplinary art, she investigates the nuances of identities, and how art can be a space for exploration and connection. She uses paintings, prints, fabric art, installation art, poetry and music to create a more expansive understanding of identity and belonging.
© Suyun Son