Olivia Jeeyun Joung is multimedia artist based in London. Her art explores Jeong (情), a unique Korean concept of affection that intertwines emotional and psychological bonds. Jeong is a form of love that grows gradually through shared experiences and mutual care. Rooted in group-oriented traditions and Confucian values, it emphasizes respect, mutual care, and emotional bonds that strengthen during times of hardship, focusing on selfless love and giving without expecting anything in return.
Joung's art emphasizes the slow accumulation of emotions rather than instantaneous feelings. She views Jeong as a sentiment that builds over time through memories, physical interactions, and touch. In her process-based approach, she uses repetitive brushstrokes to symbolize this gradual evolution, creating a visual representation of the passage of time and the accumulation of emotional layers.
Her material choices reflect this philosophy, where she physically engages with the canvas through repetitive gestures—such as using her fingers to paint—emphasizing a tangible connection between herself and the work. By layering emotions with these gestures, Joung embodies the essence of Jeong. She often incorporates found objects, which resonate with shared human experiences. For instance, she uses thread to symbolize relationships and fate, referencing the Korean belief that "destinies are connected by red threads."
In an increasingly systematized and digital world, where social interactions are becoming more impersonal, Joung hopes to remind us of the importance of love and connection. Through her art, she seeks to encourage a return to a more affectionate and compassionate society, where Jeong thrives and sustains the bonds between individuals.