K-Colors of Korea April 2014 | Page 41

„I will always choose to be living in the periphery of art“ Choi Jeong Hwa im Interview Interview by Esther Klung; Photos by Online Katalog Peking Fine Arts C hoi Jeong Hwa was born in Seoul in 1961. Ever since 1998 the eyes of the international art scene lie on him. Choi combines diferent forms of expression. His repertoire varies from art to architecture and graphic design. He´s known for transforming items of the throwaway society into art. Plastic bags become prayer lags, balloons and plastic cups become space installations. On the Biennale in Sydney Choi built a huge transparent Lotus Blossom. hose major projects are leading for Choi´s art. he exhibition in Berlin showed a section of his work. On diferent spots in the city, galleries, house fronts and Korean restaurants the visitors could see some of his works. K met the artist in Berlin and later got the chance to ask him a few questions. K: he title of your irst exhibition in Berlin „In the Mood for Love“refers to the movie of the same title. Why have you chosen this title? Choi: I wanted to talk about loss, or love. In Chinese characters, ‚ ‘ literally means, ‚the most beautiful moment of life.‘ he moment of realization, knowing that it is impossible to go back to that ‚beautiful‘ moment, is what I wanted to talk about; that is the most sparkling moment of life. K: Did the movie inspire you and where is the connection with this movie and your exhibition? Choi: As a mater of fact, I chose the title without relevance to the ilm. It just occurred to my mind, so brought the title in. K: You say art will change; everyone will be an artist in the future - what makes you believe this future will be reality one day? Choi: I encounter artists all the time: on the street, street markets, wherever I go. I get deeply moved from such self-made, autonomous art that is implemented in our daily lives. We are already living in this. 39