Yeonji Chung

How did you get into making art?

I’ve always loved to draw and paint since I was a kid, which naturally led me to attend art school for my undergraduate studies. During my time at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I worked on discovering what I want to paint and why, with the help of many incredible teachers. As I continued making more paintings, I began to love painting even more, and that journey has brought me to where I am now.

What are you currently working on?

I’m continuing a series of abstract paintings I’ve been developing over the past couple of years. I start with a sketch based on observations or photographs of my everyday surroundings—most often intimate, domestic moments in my bedroom, shower, studio, or with my partner. From these sketches, I extract shapes and compile an inventory. I then select two to three shapes that resonate with me, and use them as a starting point for a new composition.

What inspired you to get started on this body of work?

I used to make observational paintings of everyday moments, such as landscapes, portraits of my family and friends, and still lifes in my apartment. During my MFA, my instructor Caitlin Keogh suggested that I go completely abstract after seeing one of my still life paintings. Shortly after, I went to Rebecca Morris’s survey exhibitions at Bortolami in New York and the MCA Chicago. I was captivated by Morris’s mark making and use of color, and I wanted to try making an abstract painting like hers. Looking back, I realize that I was already slowly moving toward abstraction as I liked to crop and zoom in. Caitlin’s suggestion and Morris’s work inspired me to transition from observational to abstract painting, where I began focusing on shapes and eventually arrived at my current style.

Do you work on distinct projects or do you take a broader approach to your practice?

I don’t separate my work into distinct projects. It’s all part of one continuous painting practice that keeps evolving.

What’s a typical day like in your studio?

There’s nothing special—I start working in the morning or afternoon, with lunch and dinner in between working sessions. After lunch, I always bring an iced latte to drink while I paint. I also make sketches or drawings, or read art books from time to time.

Who are your favorite artists?

Currently, Miyoko Ito.

Where do you go to discover new artists?

Living in New York City where countless shows are always on view, I love going gallery hopping in Tribeca, Chelsea, and many other neighborhoods. I’m grateful for the privilege of discovering new artists by seeing their work up close, which is so different from viewing it online. Other than gallery visits, I often learn about artists through conversations with my artist friends. I love when we share artists that remind us of each other’s work.