The world is too old, and there’s nothing new: Kim Yun Seob
This series was inspired by the idea that a pilgrim seeking the sublime and truth in faith is similar to an artist in search of meaning. The recent work (2016-) is part of the Pilgrim Series, reflecting a continued passion for painting. I trained in animation and have long sought to express contemporary painting through it, but I have also always been drawn to traditional media.
In the digital age, the illusionary nature of screens makes me more drawn to analog materials. The process of translating digital pixels into physical, analog forms, along with the sense of timelessness that seems to follow postmodern collapse, has inspired me and led me to revisit conservative or traditional approaches.
2. Martyr series
My obsession with painting soon met the hardship of a pilgrim’s journey. The path toward the future felt dark, and I fell into despair. Among the great travelers of painting, I chose Vincent van Gogh as my subject and returned to painting through him. Van Gogh, who pursued the sublime, truth, or faith through art, lived as a pilgrim and died as a martyr.
I explored his image across illustration, narrative, and painting. Under the name “Pilgrim - Martyr - Bestseller - Beloved Character,” I honoured him while also mocking myself, hoping to fall, hit the bottom, and rise again. I worked with the wish that this difficult climb might become a new way forward for painting.
“The world is too old, and there’s nothing new.”
This line is spoken by Leonardo DiCaprio, playing Rimbaud, in the film Total Eclipse