Artist Statement : HyunJu Jung

My recent body of work consists of abstract self-portraits in oil paint, based on the digital manipulation of found photographs of outer space. The transformed images depict my psychological state at various times. The fluctuating and repetitive patterns of light in my paintings reflect and connect two distinct things; my own inner psychological discord resulting from cultural clashes, and the outer-world dynamics of globalization.
One way of viewing my paintings are as images of organisms in outer space. Yet, this outer space also describes my internal, psychological space, the shifts and movements of my cultural duality. Having to negotiate cultural differences between Korea and the United States presented many personal challenges; Ive realized that my life is constantly in motion... In the repetition and light? of my images, I envisage a sort of unity to the changing elements. Through the reflection of the inner, personal world, I hope to create a visual analogy that portrays individual identity within the context of the outer, modern, increasingly global society.. Within the outer world, the individual also contends with the inability to catch swift change. This brings up different issues related to the rapid development of mass media, social relationships, politics, religion, race, ideology and so on. I reference modern society directly with my use of computer technology to initially manipul!
ate the images.
Influential in my process is the theory of human communication based on Western theology which states that human beings are comprised of three parts: flesh, mind, and soul. These parts are distinct, yet they unite to bridge the inner spiritual with the outer physical. In my work I express this unity by magnifying specific areas to reveal an intimate internal space within a larger creative physical space.

Exhibitions/Awards:: SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2008 Diego Rivera Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Title: Mapping Space
Medium: Oil on Canvas

2007 Diego Rivera Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Title: Mapping My Space
Medium: Multimedia on Canvas &
Installation: Silkscreen on traditional Korean cotton with modern colors on a ceiling

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2009 Vernissage, Herbst Pavilion in Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA
Title: Mapping Space

2008 Swell Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Title: Archival Practice

2007 Triplebase Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Title: Art Students Exhibition

2006 Swell Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Title: Post-Baccalaureate show

2006 ISE Cultural Foundation, New York, NY
Title: Art Students Exhibition

2006 Queens Naills Annex, San Francisco, CA
Title: WORDS TURN INTO STONE