AMORE STORIES X Doo-hwa Chung
Amore Stories introduces a new message and artwork each month, offering inspiration on the theme of ‘beauty.’
#Theme
In books, we encounter diverse worlds that transcend time and space, allowing us to grow even without direct experience. November, the season of reading, saw an unprecedented surge in interest following the unexpected news of Kang Han receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature. This November, Amore Stories explores beauty through the lens of Doo-hwa Chung’s work, which captures the flow of time using books as its medium.
#Quote
The moment we live a different life in a book, we discover ourselves.
- Marcel Proust
#Artist
Hello, I am Doo-hwa Chung, an artist who conveys inner tranquility through the fragrance of time encapsulated in books.
Doo-hwa Chung Instagram : www.instagram.com/chung_doohwa
#Artist Interview
Q. Why do you choose to create works using completed books instead of raw materials like paper or wood?
Books transition from trees to paper, with text layered upon them, serving as vessels for myriad stories. Through books, we connect with ourselves and our surroundings. In essence, books bridge the past, present, and future, facilitating communication. To me, a book is a window into my life, materially and conceptually. This makes the book an ideal medium to convey the messages I aim to express in my work.
Q. Among countless books, what criteria do you use to select those for your artwork? Can you describe your creative process?
Books contain endless narratives, making each one a precious resource for me. When conceptualizing the imagery for a piece, I prioritize the diversity of materials and colors to select the appropriate books. My work is broadly categorized into the 'Sound,' 'Thinking of Forest,' and 'Grian' series. Depending on the type of piece, I may fold books, emphasize their grain, or utilize cut sections. While working, if I come across a compelling passage, I pause to read it, or I might play an audiobook in the background to inspire my process.
Q. What message do you aim to convey through your book-based artworks?
Books serve as connectors that transcend infinite dimensions of time and space. Just as books open windows for communication, my process of disassembling and reconstructing them offers a magnifying glass through which one can examine one's inner self. The completed artwork provides meditative time, allowing for deep self-understanding through genuine communication with oneself. I strive to encapsulate this meditative time within my works.
Q. Please introduce the piece you created for Amore Stories.
Time for Reflection, Forest
The title of my work is Time for Reflection, Forest. It represents both a period and a space for seeking my inner self. Beauty is less about specific objects and more about the pursuit of inner peace. Finding one’s true self is essential for appreciating all things beautifully. Upon hearing Amorepacific’s mission to “We Make A MORE Beautiful World,” I felt that my message—achieving inner tranquility through self-reflection—perfectly aligns with Amorepacific’s vision.
By looking inward, letting go, and embracing acceptance, we attain a peaceful mind that allows us to perceive the world beautifully. As the saying goes, "seeing the world with the heart," when our inner selves are beautiful, the world also appears attractive. I believe this perfectly encapsulates the mission to “Make A MORE Beautiful World.” My work embodies this beauty by enabling us to gaze into our inner worlds through books.
Q. Although we live in an era where reading physical books is declining, the 'TEXT HIP' culture, which centers on text-based content, has gained popularity, especially among the Millennials and Gen Z. Additionally, Kang Han’s Nobel Prize in Literature in October has significantly boosted interest in reading. In this context, what are your thoughts on the current trends as a creator who uses books as a medium?
The decline in people reading paper books is not unique to our country. The recent emergence of a text-focused reading culture, particularly among younger generations, is quite positive. This trend is not just a fleeting fad but an opportunity to rediscover the charm of paper books. Furthermore, I wish that the younger generation gains inner strength and comfort through books, enabling them to overcome challenging realities and embrace new experiences.
Own a piece of Doohwa Chung’s work.
*The artwork is available for personal use only and is not to be used for commercial purposes.
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