10 Questions with Eunju Park

Eunju Park is a multidisciplinary designer and artist who specializes in 3D, motion graphics and speculative design, currently based in the Netherlands. She was born and raised in South Korea, educated in Graphic Design and Color Design in the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United States.

She has a passion for colors and elements in motion. Her interests range from close personal topics such as psychology and the future to broad contemporary societal issues. In her artistic practices, she attempts to reflect the current phenomena that are caused by and deeply related to humans, such as the environmental crisis. Her works serve to captivate by storytelling through mesmerizing graphic images, questioning the present, and imagining the future. Engaging through playful experiments and speculative perspectives with color design and graphic design, she eagerly explores diverse media, from screen-based to printed matters, and exchanges ideas for her design practices.

eunju-park.com | @e_un_p

[Light, Shadow, and Color], Photography, 2021 © Eunju Park

INTERVIEW

Let's talk about yourself first. Why are you an artist, and how did you become one?

My journey as an artist began in my childhood when I discovered my passion for drawing and painting abstract graphics, particularly experimenting with a myriad of colors. This fascination led me to pursue formal education in color design in both South Korea and the United States, where I received a certification as a color specialist. As a certified color specialist, I became an official expert in all aspects related to colors, delving into the intricacies of color combinations, schemes, psychology, and industries—all of which demanded acute and sensitive color recognition.
However, my career took a transformative turn after a few years as a color consultant. While I appreciated the technical and practical aspects of color design, I desired more creative expression. This desire took me to the Netherlands, where I began a journey into the realm of Graphic Design. Throughout my Bachelor's study, I delved into various techniques and media, expanding my artistic horizons.
While my early focus was on color, my exploration into Graphic Design allowed me to incorporate graphical elements, pushing me beyond the confines of mere technicality. Today, my artistic pursuits lean towards 3D art, motion graphics, and videos, where I can make my creations come "alive". Yet, I also find joy in expressing motion on traditional printed mediums, infusing dynamic rhythms into static forms. My artistic evolution is an ongoing exploration of the limitless possibilities within the intersection of color and design.

You work primarily with design and incorporate different practices, from 3D design to motion graphics and speculative design. How would you define yourself as an artist?

I embrace the label of a multidisciplinary designer or artist, enjoying the freedom to move across various mediums and interweave diverse fields. While I often introduce myself as a graphic designer or visual artist in conventional settings, the delineation between artist and designer has become increasingly fluid. In the expansive realm of creativity, there are no rigid boundaries except when specific projects and industries necessitate them.
Lately, my passion has found a home in the realm of 3D motion graphics. The medium's inherent aliveness, dynamism, and the ability to create visuals that are simultaneously realistic and unreal have a captivating effect on viewers. Within this space, I find myself able to visualize narratives, concepts, and a plethora of ideas. Moreover, I tend to use a speculative viewpoint in my work. My curiosity knows no bounds, and I love imagining the future based on existing phenomena, offering glimpses into possible scenarios that challenge and inspire. As an artist, my identity is fluid, evolving with the ever-expanding landscape of creative possibilities.

A Hundred Perfumes, Book, 14.8x21 cm, 2022 © Eunju Park

Why did you choose design specifically over other mediums?

Design, to me, is an expansive realm encompassing various disciplines such as graphic design, visual design, motion design, interactive design, and more. Rather than singling out "design" as my exclusive choice or creating a strict dichotomy between art and design, I view design as a versatile medium for visual communication.
My journey into design stemmed from a desire to transcend the technical and practical aspects of color design, a field in which I initially thrived as a color consultant. Seeking a more expansive avenue for creative expression, I was drawn to graphic design and visual design as they encapsulate a diverse range of artistic practices. These disciplines offer a canvas for me to not only employ colors but also integrate graphical elements, allowing me to craft narratives and convey messages in a visually compelling manner.
I perceive graphic design and visual design as broad practices within the overarching category of art and design. The richness of possibilities within these fields enables me to explore and articulate my creative visions beyond the constraints of color, fostering a more holistic and immersive form of visual storytelling.

What messages are you trying to communicate with your art? And what do you think differentiates your approach from others?

Through my art, I aim to pose thought-provoking questions that awaken viewers, encouraging them to engage in their own interpretations. My work serves as a reflection of the world we inhabit, delving into the dynamics between nature and humanity, particularly in the context of contemporary events.
What sets my approach apart is the emphasis on individual perspective. I believe in the power of ambiguity and open-ended narratives, allowing each observer to draw connections and meaning based on their unique perspectives and experiences. By creating a space for diverse interpretations, my art becomes a spark for contemplation, fostering a deeper connection between the viewer and the subject matter, mixed with the occasional dose of humor.

Let's analyze your project BADA-23. It deals with the environmental crisis and how it will impact humankind. How did you come up with this idea? And what sources of inspiration helped you develop this project?

The idea behind my project BADA-23 really stems from my deep love for nature and animals, along with this growing concern about how humans are impacting the environment. It's a bit unsettling to think about the beautiful aspects of nature disappearing, and what's even more unsettling is considering the impact on us as humans.
I began digging into scientific studies about evolutionary biology, medicines, and ecology. It wasn't just about reading through facts; visuals played a crucial role, too. I wanted the project to be rooted in real research but also have a visual impact that hits you. The more I learned, the more it fueled my imagination, pushing me to create something that not only tells a story but makes you feel the weight of what's happening.

At the same time, in your project PET-Man, you also reflect on the impact of human beings on Nature, especially in relation to plastic. What do you think is the role of art in addressing such themes? And what can artists and designers do to raise awareness?

I believe that artists and designers play a crucial role in addressing pressing issues like the impact of human beings on nature, particularly concerning the pervasive use of plastic, as seen in my project PET-Man. The first step for artists and designers is to cultivate awareness about these topics themselves, enabling them to effectively convey stories to viewers.
While not every artist or designer needs to focus on a specific issue, I do feel that everyone on this planet should be conscious of the challenges our environment faces today. Artists and designers, armed with this awareness, have the unique ability to communicate through the powerful language of visuals. Striking and thought-provoking images have the potential to capture the audience's attention, making them receptive to the narratives being presented.
By combining existing facts with creative imagination and compelling visuals, artists and designers can collaboratively envision a message that resonates with a broader audience. This collaborative effort serves to not only inform but also evoke a deeper understanding and empathy, ultimately contributing to the collective awakening and awareness needed to address critical environmental concerns.

PET-Man (exhibition view), video, 75 inch screen, 2022 © Eunju Park

PET-Man, inside view of artificial lung, short film, fullHD, 2022 © Eunju Park

Your work is strongly focused on the future but also analyzes the present time and how it shapes and changes our world. What do you wish people could get away from your work? In other words, what changes would you like to prompt in the viewers?

Initially, my aim was to captivate viewers with compelling visuals and then prompt introspection through thought-provoking narratives. I want to spark independent thinking in my audience. Through my artworks, I share stories and present possible future scenarios through the lens of my creative imagination. My goal is to showcase the world from a speculative perspective, inviting viewers to contemplate and feel for themselves.
I believe interpretation is a personal journey, and I intentionally leave room for viewers to draw their own conclusions. It's an open invitation for individuals to engage with the work on a deeper level, encouraging a range of interpretations based on their unique perspectives and experiences.

How has your art evolved over the years? And what inspired you to experiment?

Over the years, my art has been like a mixtape of evolving interests and perspectives, all blending and bouncing off each other. I draw inspiration from a variety of sources – articles, images, fresh studies, and even dreams or chats with people. It's a bit like the art itself is an ongoing experiment, and each project is just one snapshot of that experimentation. It's this constant exploration that keeps my creativity flowing and lets me push the limits of what I can express.

Man is Not Truly One, But Truly Two, Book, 14.8x21 cm, 2019 © Eunju Park

Is there anything else you would like to incorporate into your practice? Any theme or new technology you are considering trying out?

I've got my eyes on some exciting possibilities for my art practice. Collaborating with the realms of science and technology is something I'd love to explore. Alongside my current focus on nature, I'm delving into the fascinating worlds of psychology and sound interactive motion design. Learning sound design and getting hands-on with new 3D software programs are on my to-do list, opening up fresh avenues for creative expression and pushing the boundaries of what I can bring to my work. There's a lot on the horizon, and I'm excited to see where these new endeavors take my artistic practices.

And lastly, what are your plans for the future? Do you have any exhibition or collaboration you want to share with our readers?

Looking ahead, I've got some exciting plans in the pipeline. I'm preparing for the next installment of BADA-23, my ongoing exploration into the future of humanity, and currently seeking cultural funds to dive into deeper research for this project. Beyond my individual artistic practices, I'm also sketching out collaborative projects with artists and musicians from diverse fields. Stay tuned for more on these projects as they unfold!

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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