Unfinished Street Magic

As a Korean artist in London, 'dislocation' has been my main interest. During 2012 - 2015, I explored the notion of distance in different spheres: psychological and emotional distance within people and geographical and physical distance between places and people. My recent series of works expand my interests into people's daily lives in the streets, trains and pubs, particularly of a street market in south London near my studio. My paintings developed out of an interest in the intimate moments of people, which unveil the different layers of human relationships.

서안나_Him & Her_보드, 종이에 유채_25.5×18cm_2016

서안나_At Good Intent 1_보드, 종이에 유채_25.5×18cm_2016

서안나_Peol Ddok Peol Ddok(펄떡펄떡) 2_보드, 종이에 유채_23×16cm_2016

서안나_Salvation_보드, 종이에 유채_25.5×18cm_2016

I am fascinated by the way in which emotions and vulnerability of life can be dramatised into intimate or even awkward moments. This body of works is based upon the short memory following quick observations – sometimes repetitive – through daily encounters. Intrigued by scenes around myself, I try to convey the vulnerability of these individuals by capturing the intense moments within small-scale paintings. The layering of my own narrative embeds on top of their stories to be continued to open the one from the viewers. I believe that these small moments are, though ephemeral, strong enough to show the fragmented truth of life.

서안나_"Ha...ve a look!" 2_캔버스에 유채_25.5×18cm

서안나_That Night_캔버스에 유채_34.5×27cm_2016

서안나_Mother and Child 2_보드, 종이에 유채_25.5×18cm_2017

서안나_Adultery 3-Even in my dreams I had no where to go_보드, 종이에 유채_25.5×18cm_2016

작가와의 대화

Apart from the mundane life, literature is another important source from which I take inspiration for the structure of narrative. During 2016-2017, 'Doctor Faust' by T. Mann, 'The Master and Margarita' by M. Bulgakov, 'Adultery' by P. Coelho, 'The Heart of Darkness' by J. Conrad and 'The Vegetarian' by H. Kang, have all deeply influenced me. The narrative from literature is played as a subject or as a moment. I aim to build up my credibility to the viewer by playing the contrast between real and created-real on the surface of painting. ■ Anna Jung Seo

Vol.20170907l | 서안나展 / Anna Jung Seo / 徐안나 / painting