Min, Jung (AKA Jung Min, AKA MJ) is an artist from South Korea and now enrolled in Pacific Northwest College of Art’s MFA in Visual Studies program. She brings with her a unique perspective, along with a B.A. in Sculpture from Seoul’s Kookmin University, where her ambitious public-space, mural-style sculptures have been exhibited. Her current works focus on finding identity outside of society and culture’s influence. Some of her recent work explores the conflict of a cultural gap; idealogized western culture in Korea and American culture experience through her Korean lense.
My work navigates between Eastern and Western cultures and addresses the internal conflict I face as a female Korean artist working in the US. I am from the transitory generation in Korea, which means we are in a constant state of Westernizing and attempting to become Westernized. Through investigating the collision of two cultures, I am interested in exploring the individual’s existence beyond cultural and social influences. I call these influences ‘others.’ Living in modern-day society, we are surrounded by many influences—pop culture, social media, information overload, etc. Many influences in contemporary society can be overwhelming, and can prevent us from self-discovery.
Through my art, I explore my identity, which is disrupted by ‘others,’ through my study of cultural taboos, sexuality, and femininity. I intend to not only share my personal experience, but also to respond to my generation’s struggles in navigating throughout this overwhelming network of ‘others.’