BRODY JAEHYUNG UM
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea.
Jaehyung Um is a distinguished graduate of the Chelsea College of Arts, where he earned his Master's degree from the University of the Arts London. His current artistic explorations dissect and reinterpret the notion of tourism, skillfully blending figures with abstract geometric landscapes. This captivating series of paintings is heavily inspired by Jaehyung's introspective journey and the vivid memories he has garnered from his annual summer sojourns to various European shores. Jaehyung's commitment to his art form has led him to actively exhibit his work, securing a place for his paintings in private collections across the globe. As a devoted full-time painter, he operates out of his studio in Chelsea, London, continuously pushing the boundaries of his creative expression.
Jaehyung Um is a distinguished graduate of the Chelsea College of Arts, where he earned his Master's degree from the University of the Arts London. His current artistic explorations dissect and reinterpret the notion of tourism, skillfully blending figures with abstract geometric landscapes. This captivating series of paintings is heavily inspired by Jaehyung's introspective journey and the vivid memories he has garnered from his annual summer sojourns to various European shores. Jaehyung's commitment to his art form has led him to actively exhibit his work, securing a place for his paintings in private collections across the globe. As a devoted full-time painter, he operates out of his studio in Chelsea, London, continuously pushing the boundaries of his creative expression.
Statement
Contrary to the prevailing sentiment that figurative painting has met its demise, I stand firm in my belief to the contrary. Amidst my contemporaries, a burgeoning movement strives to transcend the confines of minimalist abstraction, endeavoring to re-infuse painting with rich, vivid imagery.
My journey through the artistic landscape has culminated in the realization that I am a painter whose work is both comprehensive and interpretative. This stems from a meticulous process of material engagement and information structuring, which serves not only as a medium of expression for my visual perceptions but also as a conduit for conveying my innermost feelings and emotions. It is through this process that I have been able to discover and refine my unique artistic voice.
Photography serves as the foundational element of my artistic endeavors. Yet, it has also illuminated the inherent limitations of the medium—its capacity to capture only fleeting snapshots, mere fragments of the broader tapestry of life. For example, it reveals the subtle, yet constant motion of our existence; the forward lean, the slight turn, the subtle shift in weight—these moments encapsulate the essence of the physical and the real.
Navigating the realm of figurative art presents its own set of challenges, not least of which is the intricate portrayal of the human form. Transforming the body into a scene is an intricate endeavor, demanding acute observational skills to capture the myriad nuances contained within. Beyond merely using the body as a tool for creation, the endeavor shifts towards producing work that stands at the intersection of formality and abstraction—where shapes and colors interplay. The quest to accurately depict gestures, postures, and expressions transcends formal artistic concerns, evolving into a narrative rich with drama and dynamism. I am convinced that portraying the body in the context of its surroundings, amidst objects and other forms, lends a dynamic quality to the work, revealing the body not just as a subject but as a participant in a larger, interconnected world.
My journey through the artistic landscape has culminated in the realization that I am a painter whose work is both comprehensive and interpretative. This stems from a meticulous process of material engagement and information structuring, which serves not only as a medium of expression for my visual perceptions but also as a conduit for conveying my innermost feelings and emotions. It is through this process that I have been able to discover and refine my unique artistic voice.
Photography serves as the foundational element of my artistic endeavors. Yet, it has also illuminated the inherent limitations of the medium—its capacity to capture only fleeting snapshots, mere fragments of the broader tapestry of life. For example, it reveals the subtle, yet constant motion of our existence; the forward lean, the slight turn, the subtle shift in weight—these moments encapsulate the essence of the physical and the real.
Navigating the realm of figurative art presents its own set of challenges, not least of which is the intricate portrayal of the human form. Transforming the body into a scene is an intricate endeavor, demanding acute observational skills to capture the myriad nuances contained within. Beyond merely using the body as a tool for creation, the endeavor shifts towards producing work that stands at the intersection of formality and abstraction—where shapes and colors interplay. The quest to accurately depict gestures, postures, and expressions transcends formal artistic concerns, evolving into a narrative rich with drama and dynamism. I am convinced that portraying the body in the context of its surroundings, amidst objects and other forms, lends a dynamic quality to the work, revealing the body not just as a subject but as a participant in a larger, interconnected world.