Interview with Bo Song
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts?
My name is Bo Song (송보경, Song Bo Kyung) born in 1968, Korean Artist. For as long as I can remember I have always had fascination with colors. Upon seeing colorful objects I would desire to capture them upon a canvas, and such an opportunity arose for me when I began painting in 2009 at an art academy in Korea. During my time at the academy I completed five paintings and although it was simply a hobby. I did not anticipate that this step would be an igniting spark to me passion as an artist. Several years later my journey as a painter began in the summer of 2012 in college at the humble age of 44. Through recognition by my professors, I was recommended to continue my studies as a second major in painting. Therefore until now the paintings works help me to become more empty, or distant than before. I would always practice painting just as fish are always awake. I would like to paint as an ascetic would, fully immersing myself and enjoying state of the practice.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
When I started oil painting, taking the brush in my hand and across the canvas became “meditation.” for healing my mind. I create my works depending on my environment and the season. I using bright, rich pools of unmodulated color. My landscapes range from fantastical and otherworldly to hilly forest abstractions. I used of abstract color in paintings. In my paintings that favor experimentation over repetition, elements of the unexpected hide just below the surface complexity and simplicity exist simultaneously in my works. Transforming the Universe energy that is moving all the time without stopping with us unlikely human life.
Since January in 2018, as a Buddhist, notions of Karma and Zen tried to present and clearly visible in my artworks instead of visible nature themes, it was frequently draws upon the concept of the ancient mandala, a circular symbol in Buddhism. Representative of the cosmos. Indeed I often incorporated circles and spheres into my works signifying the connected nature of past and present.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I’ve had the pleasure to live and visit several countries throughout my life. I usually love to stay somewhere calm with a beautiful setting that inspires me to paint. So often while at home, I explore through my mind and the juxtaposition of my memories and feelings help to unveil the concepts for my art pieces. I would paint instinctively without detailed sketches and only rely on pure intuitions.
What emotions do you hope viewers experience when looking at your art?
I want the viewers to feel a peaceful mind and be revitalized through them.
When do you know that an artwork is finished?
“Even it is not finished at all perfectly even remained wrong way of brush touch, or stain in canvas, but I used to stop for reserving them at that time of images and feelings.”
What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?
When I attended in New York exhibition with my extended family, they were so impressed from the my original works.
How long does it take to produce one work?
My paintings tend to be completed in seven days, however depending on the project it can also take up to more than one month.
What exciting projects are your working on right now? Can you share some of the future plans for your artworks?
As I mentioned earlier I am Buddhist and recently I received a painting request from one of the remodeled temple in Korea. The head monk have seen my paintings on my personal website and asked to display a new piece in the temple. I will start to paint soon.
Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?
1) Group exhibition entitled “New Art” at the Galleria 360 in Firenze, Italy (Jan/11~Feb/4)
2) Group exhibition entitled “2019 International Masters Exhibition” at the Metropolitan Gallery, Las Vegas (Feb/23~April/10)
3) Group exhibition entitled “Shibuya Station Exhibition.” in Tokyo, Japan (March/5~11)
4) Group exhibition entitled “Artexpo New York.” in New York, USA. (March/12~14)
5) Solo exhibition at Metanoia Gallery in Paris, France. (June/21~28) 6) Group exhibition at Agora Gallery in New York (pending September)
Where do you see your art going in five years?
I plan to continue showing my art through solo and group exhibitions in Korea and internationally. It could be in France, Italy and USA. I will also participate in several Art Fairs also.
Websites: www.bksong.com www.agora-gallery.com
Instagram: @bo.songg
