Adult Child’ is an ongoing series that Yang Hyun Jun has been working on since 2013. The series focuses on family and humanity. Family is a perpetual important component in Yang’s life while humanity to the artist is an immediate realization that comes only after one can grasp the greatness of Family. His subject matter highlights particularly maternal love, acting as both a profound quest into and a personal answer to the lack of a father figure in his childhood.
The female protagonist symbolizes the artist’s mother, who has been playing a prominent role in the artist’s life since childhood. The artist hopes to express through a fun and engaging way what a true altruist his mother is, who sacrifices a major part of her own life to take care of the artist and his family. Each work shows the same little girl with a different story in various settings, some with influences from movies and pop culture. She is always having a good time in all kinds of activities – reading, taking care of animals, traveling, playing music, eating etc. The cheeky smirk-like smile on her face adds on an amusing and comical element to Yang’s works.
A different animal in varying sizes accompanies the girl in over half of the artist’s works, in which all of the m an adorable representation of the artist himself. The artist sees himself together with his mother in an imaginary world that renders possible what seems to be inconceivable. The imaginary world reflects Yang’s yearn to preserve precious childhood family memories that the artist holds dearly to his heart. When times are tough, family is and will always be, without doubt, a strong fence that forms the irreplaceable peaceful nest that Yang can find shelter in throughout time.
“You may feel like you live in this world alone at times, but you are always due to rely on somebody or be with somebody in one way or another; this stems from humanity”
Another recurring motif is the little girl’s runny nose symbolizing innocence and a carefree childhood manner, painted with epoxy resin, adding a subtle yet signature layer of 3D effect to the artist’s acrylic works on Hanji, traditional Korean paper or on wood panel. This unique nasal teardrop is also present on Yang’s limited-edition vinyl figures.
Imagination is key to living an enjoyable life. However serious and intimate the inspiration behind this series of artworks may be, Yang hope to playfully share and remind his audience the significance of genuine compassion and affection that humankind is able to share with one another. Why don’t we all show a little act of kindness to people around us or even ourselves every day? What is your inner child like?
*Fun fact: Although Yang’s works feature the same female protagonist, her hair and facial expressions change a little year by year – see if you can notice the changes?
About Yang, Hyun Jun
Yang, Hyun Jun graduated from Silla University, Busan in Korean Art Painting in 1996 followed by a Doctoral degree in Oriental Painting from Silla University Graduate School in 2009. Yang has held over 15 solo exhibitions and participated extensively in 85 group shows and international art fairs in South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Thailand etc. He is currently a lecturer teaching at Silla University, Busan.
Solo Exhibition :18 times
2019 15th Solo Exhibition ‘Adult Child’
Group Exhibition : 85 time
Affordable art fair (Hong Kong, Singapore 2016~2019
KIAF ART SEOUL 2019 (COEX A Hall/ Seoul 2017~2019)
Art Busan 2019 (bexco/ Busan 2015~2019)
The ARTery (Marina bay sands/ Singapore 2019)
HARBOUR ART FAIR (Hongkong 2018)
SHANGHAI ART FAIR 2016
Busan Young Artists Exhibition (Busan Cultural Center/ Busan 2011~2019)
2nd BFAA Art Festival (BEXCO l/ Busan 2013~2018)
Korea China Art Exchange Art Fair (Yanbian Art gallery/ China 2019)
Artworks
Adult Child (Chanel paper bag)
Acrylic on Korean Paper
90 x 80cm 2021
Adult Child (Doughnut I)
Acrylic on Korean Paper
90 x 80cm 2021
Adult Child (Doughnut II)
Acrylic on Korean Paper
90 x 80cm 2021
Adult Child (Eagle No.I)
Acrylic on Korean Paper
90 x 80cm 2021
Adult Child (Swan No.3)
Acrylic on Korean Paper
90 x 80cm 2021
