Kyungmin Park: Selected works, 2018-2023

Jan 06, 2006

On January 6th, 2006, I arrived in America at the age of twenty with two large suitcases, seeking better art education opportunities as a young artist. Over the past 18 years, I have lived in six different states and moved 15 times within the US.

Living far from my home country and family was definitely challenging. Learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture was both exciting and difficult. Despite these challenges, I have no regrets about starting a new chapter of my 20s in a new country. Without this experience, I would not have grown into the person I am today.

“Jan 06, 2006” depicts my own image of the day I arrived in America. I am wearing a traditional dress, a Hanbok (한복), and dragging a luggage full of the most Korean traits I carried with me, such as Korean traditional pottery, paint brushes, kimchi, and our national flower, Mu Goong Hwa(무궁화). Next to me, my guardian dog, AJ, is following me.

Jan 06, 2006, 2023, Stoneware underglaze, glaze, resin, paint, Figure: 19.5”(H)x13”x9”, Dog: 5.5”(H)x8”x2.5”

How have you been? / Introspection

We have all faced a challenging time in the past three years that has affected us differently. The COVID-19 pandemic, racial conflicts, wars, and political divisions have constantly tested our emotional resilience and left us feeling overwhelmed. As a result, many of us have reevaluated our priorities and made changes to our lives.

I would like to ask you a question: What did you miss the most during this difficult period? For me, the things I missed the most were genuine human connections, emotional intimacy, and physical touch. As an artist who works with clay, I found sculpting ceramic figures that resemble humans, and the tactile process of working with clay helped me maintain my sanity during this tough time.

“How Have You Been?/ Introspection” is a self-reflective piece that expresses my feelings, which many people can relate to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How have you been? / Introspection, 2022, Stoneware, underglaze, glaze, gold luster, 58”(H)x 24”x22”. Image credit: John Carlano

Meltdown

“Meltdown” is inspired by one of the famous social media memes: “Be like a Panda: Destroy Racism. Be Like a Panda.He/she/they is Black. He/she/they is White. He/she/they is Asian.”The sculpture reflects my experiences as an Asian immigrant in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, numerous racist attacks towards AAPI individuals have occurred, making me realize that, to some, I may always be perceived as an outsider. Nevertheless, I still consider America my new home, and the support from my newfound family and friends has also been a source of strength during these challenging times. Their encouragement has not only motivated me to create artwork addressing issues of racism and inequality in this country but has also reinforced my belief in collective action. I recognize that prejudice exists within all of us, and by acknowledging our own flaws and fostering mutual understanding, we can contribute to creating a more harmonious world.

Meltdown, 2021, Stoneware, underglaze, glaze, 12.5”(H)x8.5”x7”

2020 Frustration

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused chaos and uncertainty around the world. Lockdowns became the new normal, forcing everyone to adapt to this unrealistic reality. To reflect on the frustrations of this shared experience, I created a sculpture featuring two figures that represent the range of emotions people felt, including anger, madness, sadness, and frustration.

The straight lines on the amorphous form in the sculpture symbolize the rules and norms that existed before the pandemic. In contrast, the melted glazes represent the emotional breakdowns experienced by individuals and society as a whole.

Through this sculpture, I express the complex emotional landscape that was affected by the unpredictable upheaval of the year 2020.

2020 Frustration, 2020, Porcelain, underglaze, glaze, 20”(H)x14”x9”

Hello, My name is Gina Park

Before the invention of Hangeul, Koreans used Chinese characters as their writing system. Even today, Chinese characters have a significant influence on Korean culture, particularly in baby naming. Korean parents choose a name for their baby based on the underlying meanings of Chinese characters. My name, Kyungmin, represents “strong water drop. “It symbolizes water’s persistence and ability to carve a new path, even through rocks, to reach its destination over time.

Pronouncing Korean names can be challenging for non-Koreans. That is why some Koreans may use a “Westernized” version of their name. When I moved to the U.S., someone asked if I had an “American name.” I was puzzled at first, but then I remembered my Catholic confirmation name, “Gina.” Since then, “Gina Park” has become my second name in America. I use it when I don’t feel like spelling out my entire name, such as at a coffee shop. However, “Gina Park” has never been my real name.

Hello, My name is Gina Park, 2021, Stoneware, underglaze, glaze, 23”(H)x 11”x10”

One Bite at a Time

The phrase “One Bite at a Time” is a metaphor that signifies the idea of facing challenges by breaking them down into smaller and more manageable components. The artwork reflects my journey as an artist in dealing with complex situations, particularly in these uncertain times. The piece captures the essence of finding optimism amidst uncertainty and maintaining productivity by taking one step at a time. It explores self-discovery and resilience, highlighting the transformative power of steady progress. As an artist, I have simplified my approach in these unique circumstances, and “One Bite at a Time” serves as a reminder of the strength of perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges incrementally.

One Bite at a Time, 2021, Stoneware, underglaze, glaze, 13.5”(H)x9”x9”

Apple Town

Apple = 사과 (in Korean) = Apology/ About Community.

Apple Town, 2022, Porcelain, underglaze, glaze, 7.5”(H)x20”x10”

Mug series of “Emotional Support Art”

Each mug has a facial expression that exhibits the emotions we all experience yet sometimes struggle to contain or manage. Yet, each mug, in the moment, contains what you need.

Mug series of “Emotional Support Art”, 2022, Porcelain, underglaze, glaze, 5.5”(H)x6”x5” (each)
Emotional support mug (detail), 2022, Porcelain, underglaze, glaze, 5.5”(H)x6”x5” (each)

You and Me

This work celebrates my special bond and strong relationship with my beloved dog, AJ. Over the past 14 years, we have shared many moments that have strengthened our connection beyond measure. Having a pet is more than just companionship; they offer unconditional love, support, and a sense of responsibility. Their non-judgmental and accepting presence can also be therapeutic and comforting.

You and Me, 2023, Stoneware, underglaze, glaze, acrylic rods, resin, 20”(H)x20”x13”

Rained on

“Rained On” depicts a moment of vulnerability and acceptance. The figure leans backward gracefully, embracing the raindrops falling from above. This gesture symbolizes my own journey and the acceptance of my existence on Earth. Each raindrop represents different aspects of my heritage, the hardships I have endured, and the blessings I have received. Together, they reflect the transformative nature of these experiences.

The sculpture invites viewers to contemplate the beauty of embracing the diverse influences that shape our identities. It offers a visual narrative of growth, transformation, and universal resilience, inviting us to acknowledge the power of accepting ourselves and others.

Rained on, 2019, Stoneware, glaze, paint, fishing wire, 44”(H)x30”x25”