“My style has changed to how the objects exist rather than how I see it. And it has changed to finding hidden images in objects that are not well revealed.”
The Artistic Potential of Abstract Photography
Since childhood, Kyoungha Park has had a profound appreciation for various forms of art, such as music, movies, and traveling. This passion for social phenomena led him to pursue the Department of Philosophy as his field of study.
In preparation for a backpacking expedition through Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe, he obtained a camera, which marked his initial foray into photography. After spending two and a half years studying in Cologne, Germany, he traveled to Paris during his vacation and was struck by the captivating imagery that surrounded him. This experience prompted him to attend photography seminars offered by the Department of Art Education, which proved instrumental in his photographic endeavors.
Upon his return to Korea, he spent several years working in Bongchendong and subsequently published two photo books titled “Bongchen-dong” and “Bongchen-dong2”.
Capturing the Charm of Old and Unique Outskirts
Kyoungha Park has a deep passion for abstract photography and sees great artistic potential in this genre. He believes that through the lens of his camera, he can capture the essence of his subjects in a visually stunning and unconventional manner. Achieving this requires a keen eye for composition, a deep understanding of color and texture, and a commitment to experimentation and exploration. While he may not always be certain of the exact meaning behind his work, he is confident that it speaks volumes to those who are willing to truly see it.
Kyoungha’s love for capturing images of the antiquated and distinctive peripheries has grown immensely. He finds the charm of old and unique outskirts or slums captivating and often overlooked by most. These impoverished neighborhoods are a treasure trove of diverse visuals that are waiting to be immortalized in a photograph.
One neighborhood that Kyoungha finds particularly intriguing is Bongchendong. He sees the narrow streets and weathered buildings as a testament to its rich history and cultural significance. Every corner of this locality holds a story waiting to be told, and Kyoungha feels privileged to have the opportunity to capture it through his lens.
For Kyoungha, photography is more than just taking pictures; it is a way of telling stories and preserving memories. Each image he captures represents a unique perspective of a moment frozen in time, and he feels honored to be able to share it with the world.
Kyoungha Park’s Quest for Inspiration
As an avid seeker of inspiration, Kyoungha Park’s senses were constantly attuned to the world around him. He found himself drawn to the minutiae of everyday life, the stories that lie beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. Whether it was a fleeting glimpse of a stranger on the street or the rustling of leaves in a nearby park, he was constantly on the lookout for those elusive sparks of creativity that ignited his imagination.
Of course, Kyoungha’s sources of inspiration were as varied as they were numerous. He devoured books and articles, taking in the words of others and weaving them into his own tapestry of ideas. He let his mind wander, conjuring up vivid mental images that transported him to far-off places and exciting new possibilities.
Yet, despite the wealth of inspiration that surrounded him, there was one source that stood out above all others. The work of other photographers never failed to captivate him, drawing him in with their unique perspectives and arresting imagery. He was endlessly fascinated by the way they captured light and shadow, shape and form, using their lenses to reveal the world in ways he could never have imagined.
Whether it was the haunting beauty of a black and white portrait or the vibrant colors of a bustling cityscape, the photographs of others never ceased to amaze Kyoungha. They inspired him to push the boundaries of his own creativity, to see the world with fresh eyes, and to capture the beauty and complexity of life in all its many facets.
Kyoungha Park’s Evolving Artistic Style and Aspirations
Over time, Kyoungha’s artistic style had evolved to take into account the intrinsic qualities of the objects he observed, rather than simply his subjective interpretation of them. Moreover, he had developed a keen eye for uncovering the latent images that lie beneath the surface of objects, those which are often concealed from casual view.
Given the extensive collection of photographs he has taken over the years, if he were compelled to select a favorite, he would assert that the photo book entitled Bongchen-dong2 is the most gratifying.
As a photographer, his aspiration would be to capture the essence of North Korea through his lens in the event of a reunification of the Korean peninsula. He yearns to embark on a photographic journey that will allow him to document the rich culture and landscapes of North Korea.
He holds a strong conviction that the practice of Art has been instrumental in cultivating his creativity across various domains of his life.
