Represented by CHAMAN Gallery in Seoul, Jeon Hyunkyung is an extraordinary painter. And while presenting her work at this year’s StART Art Fair at Saatchi Gallery in London, I noticed that her stunning canvases are adorned with women whose confident gazes and postures depict various emotions — sometimes flashy and elegant, at other times instinctive, primal, and even combative. During the opening night of the exhibition, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the painter and talking all about her art. 

Artistic Roots and Education:

Jeon’s artistic endeavour finds its roots in fashion, fine art, and a profound love for portraying women. Born into a culture where the roles of grandmothers and mothers were both special and, at times, perceived as unfair, Jeon’s resolve to become an independent and proud woman fuelled her artistic pursuits. “I am not necessarily a feminist, but I believe that women should be celebrated, which is why I chose women as the main subject of my art”, she explains. Initially delving into the fine arts, Jeon’s quest to master traditional portraiture led her to start her nine-year-long studies in China. There, she learned about traditional portraiture, earning a PhD after completing her master’s degree in oil painting from the College of Art and Design, Guangzhou University. Her educational repertoire also includes studies in the Chinese Literature Department at Sun Yat-Sen University, China.

Artistic Philosophy and Unique Style:

Jeon’s oeuvre is characterised by an understanding of the relationship between psychology, desire, and the visual representation of women through fashion. “Clothing is not simply fabric that covers a woman’s naked body, but is a tool and symbol that expresses psychology and desires”, she elaborates. Her artistic palette, although not excessively vivid, features a deliberate use of oil paints to lend a nuanced tone to her paintings.

Artistic Platforms and Global Presence:

Participating in international events such as the StArt Global and StArt Seoul Art Fair has provided Jeon with platforms to present her art on a global scale. Reflecting on her experience, she expresses gratitude for showing her art to the British public, emphasising the significance of exhibiting at prestigious venues like the Saatchi Gallery. “Everyone wants to exhibit here”, she adds, highlighting the global acclaim and recognition her work has garnered.

The Alchemy of Creation:

Jeon’s creative process is a dance between modern and traditional techniques. Beginning with inspiration drawn from fashion shows and magazines, she meticulously crafts stories around selected objects. Utilising family members as models, she refines her vision through Photoshop before transferring it onto a canvas. Her portraits involve seven layers, each contributing to the depth and richness of the final piece.

Empowering Narratives and Future Explorations:

Through her artwork, Jeon aims to revive appreciation for portraits and convey empowering messages about women. “I want to show independent and strong females in my paintings, women who are proud to be women”, she declares. Each canvas unfolds as a narrative, capturing diverse styles and cultural contexts while celebrating the strength and independence of women. And as previously mentioned, her education, deeply rooted in the study of traditional portraiture, has shaped her unique artistic perspective. “I am always thinking about what to paint next. I am not sure what the next theme of my art will be, but there are always ideas out there waiting to be explored”, she says.

In Jeon Hyunkyung’s art, women emerge not just as subjects of a canvas but as powerful expressions of independence, strength, and celebration. There is no doubt that her paintings, vibrant with colour and rich in narrative, invite us to rediscover the timeless allure of portraits and appreciate the stories behind each stroke of the brush.

Interviewed and written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image © Jeon Hyun-Kyung

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