Arts-Culture

“Exploring the essence of fortune in art"

Says Artist Park Jung-min in an interview

By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

 

The Harmony in Symbols Collective event, led by Han, ESI Yuri, aims to build libraries in Africa. Related to this, Artist Park Jung-min donated her works to the project.

 

 

“The project aims to build libraries in African countries every year. This year, as the first of many, we are focusing on Ghana. The idea is to display and sell artworks that feature Ghanaian symbols, with the proceeds going towards the construction of a library,” said Artist Park Jung-min in an interview with Diplomacy Journal.

 

Artist Park said, “When I learned about this, I was deeply moved by the cause and wanted to contribute in any way I could. It felt meaningful to know that my art could directly support education in Ghana, so I happily participated in the project by donating my work. I believe that art should have a purpose beyond beauty—it should help foster positive change.”

 

 

The following is the excerpts of the Diplomacy Journal’s interview with Artist Park Jung-min. –Ed. 

 

Question: Your latest work, Fortune (길상, 吉祥), is a powerful reflection on the universal pursuit of happiness. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this piece?


Answer: The inspiration for Fortune came from a deep reflection on humanity's shared desire for happiness and good fortune. Since ancient times, every culture, whether Eastern or Western, has pursued the same goal: to live a life filled with joy, success, and prosperity. 

 

 

This pursuit, simple yet profound, drives much of human existence. I wanted to express that in my work. The title Fortune itself encapsulates the hope for auspicious events, celebrations, and smooth paths in life. My goal was to distill this concept into a piece that could visually represent these ideas while allowing viewers to immediately connect with that universal yearning.


Q: Your use of traditional East Asian ink ("먹") is particularly striking. How does the technique of “emptying” and “filling” play into the overall message of the piece?

 


A: The use of ink was a deliberate choice. In East Asian art, the fluidity of ink allows for an organic, almost uncontrollable spread, which contrasts beautifully with carefully controlled elements. I wanted to convey that before we can experience fullness in life, we must first embrace emptiness. 

 

The empty spaces in the artwork represent this "void," while the symbols of Fortune fill the canvas, showing how from nothing, good things can emerge. It’s a cycle—just as in life, emptiness often precedes fulfillment. This concept is central to the message of the piece: that in order to receive, we must first create space.

 

Q: I understand that you recently participated in the Harmony in Symbols Collective event, led by Han, ESI Yuri, which aims to build libraries in Africa. Can you tell us about your involvement and what motivated you to contribute?


A: Yes, the Harmony in Symbols Collective is an inspiring initiative. The project was started by Han, ESI Yuri, with the goal of building libraries in African countries every year. This year, as the first of many, we are focusing on Ghana. The idea is to display and sell artworks that feature Ghanaian symbols, with the proceeds going towards the construction of a library. 


When I learned about this, I was deeply moved by the cause and wanted to contribute in any way I could. It felt meaningful to know that my art could directly support education in Ghana, so I happily participated by donating my work. I believe that art should have a purpose beyond beauty—it should help foster positive change.


Q: That’s a beautiful contribution. I’ve heard that the collective plans to continue this project annually, each year focusing on a different African country. What do you think about the long-term vision of Harmony in Symbols Collective?


A: Absolutely, I think the vision behind Harmony in Symbols Collective is remarkable. This year, we are focused on Ghana, but starting next year, as Han, ESI Yuri mentioned, the initiative will expand to other African countries. Each year, the aim is to build a new library, helping to create educational opportunities for local communities. 

 

It’s a project that bridges cultures, and I’m honored to be a part of it. I look forward to seeing how it grows in the coming years, and I hope to continue contributing as it evolves. This kind of global connection, where art helps shape real-world change, is exactly what I believe art should do.