16 People in the Arts
The Miner Artist, Hwang Jae-hyung Mining for Truth By Kang Jennis Hyunsuk
FEATURE
I
n the summer of 2016, I had the opportunity to participate in a special art class called Bokgwe 5. It was an art camp organized by the Gwangju Museum of Art. Luckily, I was able to learn from my favorite artist, Hwang Jae-hyung, who encouraged the participants by telling us that everybody has the instinct of creation. For ten days from 9 to 5, he led us in group discussions along with some theoretical classes and diverse practical classes in the arts. It has already been almost six years since that time. One day during the art camp, we went to Paengmok Port in Jindo by bus. The families of five missing victims were still waiting at the port. The 2014 Sewol disaster had resulted in 299 casualties, most of whom were students who were on a school trip to Jeju Island. As a mother with children myself, I could not stop crying. We all cried together.
remember one of your artworks in that exhibit. It included a distorted aluminum washbasin belonging to the famous writer, Han Seung-won [the father of Han Kang, author of Human Acts, 소년이 온다). Can I ask what kind of story you put into that sorry washbasin? Hwang Jae-hyung: The writer Han Seung-won had left Seoul and returned to his hometown, Jangheung. When I visited him, I spotted an aluminum washbasin placed near the side of the well in his yard. To me, the modest aluminum washbasin looked as if it were deserting the comforts of civilization. The position of the washbasin meant that he had to squat down in the yard to wash his face even in the cold of winter. The gelidity would spread to
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January 2022
On another day, we climbed Mt. Mudeung in Gwangju and sat apart in front of a small stone, a little leaf, and then a tree. Artist Hwang had us break down the image of the objects and try to draw the original character of each with “the eyes of our mind.” I appreciated Hwang’s efforts to have the participants realize that art is close to the ordinary individual. He is one of my most admired teachers who has led me through this fascinating world of art. So, I would like to here introduce Hwang Jae-hyung to everyone who may not know him. Artist Hwang was born in Boseong, Jeollanam-do, though he now lives in Taebaek. He is known as both a miner and an artist. I am grateful to him for agreeing to this interview. Jennis: After your four-month-long exhibition at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, I imagine you are in need of some time for a rest. But I am thankful that you are permitting this interview. I remember the day you let us share the agony of the families of the Sewol ferry victims. When we were on our way back to Gwangju, we stopped by an art exhibition in Jangheung. The exhibition was held under the theme of “Jangheung’s Story.” I still
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▲ Exposed Face, by Hwang Jae-Hyung (2017, human hair on canvas; Gana Art collection).
2022-01-06 �� 9:27:59
