Sayart.net - Painter Stonie Kang, Portrait of the Enigma

His exclusive exhibition "Infinity: The Paradox," until November 17 at the Vichae Art Museum

Stonie Kang is causing a stir in the Korean art scene with his groundbreaking approach to abstract painting. Seamlessly blending the worlds of abstract expressionism and surrealism, Kang is capturing the attention of art aficionados, carving out a distinct niche for himself in the industry.
 

▲ Nirvana, acrylic on paper,105x83cm, 2023. Courtesy of Vichae art museum

The allure of his artwork can be attributed to the Oriental classic concept of 'Muwiihwa(無爲而化)' from "Laozi," which translates to "edifies the people by doing nothing. And only when there is no decoration, the people follow the monarch." His works exude a naturalness, devoid of forced or artificial expressions, which naturally draws viewers in and ensnares their affections. In other words, his art is a natural expression of the flow of the unconscious, making it abstract yet easily captivating the hearts of the audience.

Many collectors who have had the privilege of witnessing his creations are left wondering about the man behind the art. However, there is a conspicuous lack of information about Kang, apart from his name, Stonie Kang, and the fact that he is a man in his 60s. The mystery deepens as he has chosen to work incognito, much like the masked figures 'Zorro' or 'Batman.' It is highly likely that Stonie Kang is a pseudonym, concealing his true identity.

Nonetheless, collectors unanimously agree that he is a hidden expert with decades of experience in painting. The complexity of his chosen subjects, composition on the canvas, color usage, and expression techniques are indicative of a career spanning many years.

▲ window to memory, mixed media on canvas, 100x80.3cm, 2023. Courtesy of Vichae art museum

Art experts have noted his exceptional approach through the use of 'dépaysement' in his works. 'Dépaysement,' originally signifying 'leaving a familiar place,' takes on a new meaning in surrealist art, where it denotes "expulsion of objects from their everyday relationships and placing them in strange relationships, that is, the appearance of an object in a place where it should not be." This technique is often employed by surrealist masters such as Giorgio de Chirico and René Magritte. Experts suggest that Stonie Kang, much like these luminaries, harnesses the 'dépaysement' technique to convey profound philosophical ideas. A close examination of the elements he incorporates in his works suggests that his artistic journey is far from brief.

▲ Window of the Universe, acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, 100x80.3cm, 2023. Courtesy of Vichae art museum

Prominent figures in the Korean art scene who have had the privilege of viewing his works have showered him with accolades. Chung Jae-Suk, the former director of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, commended Kang, stating, "He is infinitely expanding the space of two-dimensional paintings. In his world of work, the spaces of literature and art overlap, and the spaces of figuration and abstraction permeate each other. He is breaking the mold of existing art and opening up a new world. He is either a maverick or a pioneer in the art field." 

Furthermore, Lee Jung-Han, a painter and professor emeritus at Konkuk University, noted, "He is directly breaking down the mannerisms and stereotypes of painting works by varying the living and writhing images and diversity in each work."
 

▲ 'Magritte's Waterfall,acrylic on paper, 105x83cm, 2023 Courtesy of Vichae art museum

Stonie Kang himself has shared some insights into his art, addressing the recurring geometric compositions like squares or grid patterns in many of his works. He says, "Whether they are understood as windows, doors, digital signals, or something else is entirely up to the viewer."

Yet, the central theme that resonates through his works remains crystal clear: it is the "human longing for infinity and paradise." Kang expounds, "I believe a painter is someone who straddles the boundary between reality and paradise. Through my art, I aim to pose the question of whether happiness lies in the everyday dreams of paradise, or if it can only be attained by reaching paradise."

So, who is this mysterious artist, Stonie Kang? 

We can explore the enigma further at his exclusive exhibition titled "Infinity: The Paradox," which runs until November 17 at the Vichae Art Museum in Bangbae-dong, Seoul. The exhibition showcases 19 of his latest works, including 'Connection,' 'Window to Universe,' 'Paradise Lost,' 'Eternity,' 'Nirvana,' 'The Golden Age,' and 'Waterfall of Magritte',' eagerly awaiting art enthusiasts.

 

Sayart.net
Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com