Jeong Sun Yoon captures the essence of remembered spaces. Her artworks depict realms that simultaneously exist and do not—constructed from her memories, isolated from the passage of time and the flux of people and environments. Like entries in a secret diary, Yoon records solitary moments within these spaces.
Her artistic journey began in the early 2000s with predominantly monochrome works, influenced by the overcast skies of England and the bustling streets of China. During her time in Beijing, she introduced vibrant primary colors into her depictions of deserted urban landscapes, marking a significant evolution in her style. These colorful elements in empty settings symbolize enduring memories.
One of her hallmark series, 'Embolium,' features night scenes like the luminous facade of the Myeongdong Cathedral Jesuit Hall against a backdrop of profound darkness. The reflected lights—purple, pink, and blue—capture the artist’s emotions, creating a striking contrast with the shadowy structures. These nocturnal moments, akin to an interlude in a play, offer a pause from daily life, allowing Yoon to deeply reflect on her artistic existence and the essence of her work.
Upon returning to Seoul, Yoon painted Ikseondong and Samcheongdong, neighborhoods steeped in history and transformation. Particularly, Ikseondong carries the painful history of Japanese-imposed architectural changes during the occupation era. Today, these districts have evolved into bustling commercial zones, yet remnants of the past persist in fragments of walls and roofs.
Her recent work focuses on Deoksugung Palace, a symbol of the last Korean Empire, mingling traditional Korean architecture with Western influences. The palace's majestic and foreign aesthetic overlays the somber narrative of a nation that lost its sovereignty. Here, Emperor Gojong might have endeavored to safeguard his realm. For Yoon, Deoksugung is not just a historic site but a playground of her youth, rich with memories of peacocks and art exhibitions.
In her latest creations, Deoksugung Palace stands as a metaphor for Yoon's artistic identity—shaped by external influences yet fundamentally true to her roots. The palace, a canvas of diverse hues, reflects the spectrum of Yoon’s experiences and emotions as she traverses through her memories, transforming personal spaces into collective historical tapestries.