Interview: There is Nowhere

Dyne Jeong, Kanon Okuno, Handeul Kim , Mayu Furutani, Jonosuke Tanaka

Can you share your journey into the art world and what initially sparked your interest in art?

Dyne: My creative work revolves around the idea and experience of "the dream" or dreams. Since I was 18, I've been interested in dreaming and making various works based on imagery derived from dreams. I used to get my inspiration from my dreams. My dreams are another pathway to my other world, where I can hop and fly around. I can develop lucid dreams and perform and get inspired within them. The idea of conscious and unconscious creates an odd tension; I can develop surreal, conceptual imagery through this.

How has your cultural background influenced your artistic practice and the themes you explore in your work? What motivated you to move to the United States, and how has this transition impacted your art?

Handeul: In my work presented at “There is Nowhere,” I explored the concept of the identity crisis I’ve experienced while living here and how my perception of home has evolved over time. Originally from South Korea, a place 14 hours away by flight from New York, it was not my choice to move here in the first place, it was due to my dad’s job. This sudden transition brought me confusion about where I truly belonged, and this internal conflict led me to question where my true home was. Eventually, I found a true sense of home in my cozy little room in Brooklyn, filled with things I love. This journey of navigating between two cultures and finding my own space has deeply impacted the themes I explore in my artistic practice, focusing on the intersection of identity and belonging.

How has living and creating art in a different country influenced your sense of identity?

Handeul: Living in New York City has been an eye-opening experience for me, especially at a young age. Surrounded by people from diverse cultures, races, and backgrounds, I've had the opportunity to broaden my perspectives significantly. Being immersed in such a culturally rich environment has not only inspired my art but has also deepened my appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. Living in a city where trends are constantly being shaped and creativity thrives has greatly developed my perception of the world, including art.

Have you found a community of fellow artists from your home country or other international artists in the U.S.? How has this community supported your work?

Tanaka: Yes, I feel like artist are mostly in-depended. It depends on the artists whether they success or not but there are a lot of communities they will share information and encourage artists a lot.

How important is it for you to maintain connections with the art scene in your home country?

Tanaka: In Japan, art is gradually becoming popular and a lot of young generations are into it too. For me, it’s one way to connect with them and support each other

What recurring themes or messages can be found in your work? How do you hope viewers interpret or react to your artwork?

Mayu: A lot of my work revolves around the theme of dream and in betweenness. Through my work I explore moments in life that are too ambiguous to get a grip on and feelings that we do not have words to describe. I also take a lot of inspiration from ocean. I’m forever fascinated by ocean because it makes me feel at home. I don’t wish my work to be perceived a certain way. i want viewers to be free to interpret / react to my work however they want to.

Do you have a preferred medium or technique, and why? Are there any new techniques or mediums you are experimenting with currently?

Mayu: I like working multi disciplinarily. my field of work ranges from animation, drawing, painting, fiber art to sculpture. As of recent, i have been enjoying working with ceramics. i like how malleable it is and accidental aspects of the process. it lets me work intuitively and i’m often surprised by the final results, which i really enjoy.

Lately i have been exploring ways to incorporate other materials into my ceramic sculptures.

What projects or themes are you looking forward to exploring in the future?

Dyne: I want to deeply think about the connection of the idea and visual expression.