A cultural exchange exhibition commemorating the 32nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Belarus was held at the Grand Hall of Maru Art Center in Insa-dong. About 20 tourist photos of Belarus, 11 works by Belarusian color magician Marc Chagall, and works by 30 Korean folk painting artists were exhibited. Folk Painting Artist Yeonseo Roh attracted attention by exhibiting ‘DMZ’s Spring Rose of Sharon’. “I live in Paju, the border area of the DMZ, so I started drawing folk paintings based on this. I wanted to convey that although Korea is a divided country, life is thriving within the borders” says Roh. 

 

[Interview]

 

Q. What is the meaning of this exhibition to you?

A. Belarus was ruled by Poland, Germany, and the Soviet Union. It resembles Korea. I currently live in Paju, and for the same reason, I was naturally interested in the DMZ. In my work ‘DMZ’s Spring Rose of Sharon’, I wanted to emphasize that spring comes in any country. The medium symbolizing peace was the Rose of Sharon, and I collaborated with DMZ elements to exhibit and donate works.

 

Q. What made you a folk painter?

A. I majored in illustration and dreamed of becoming a children’s book author. However, in the process of exposure to various fields, I learned folk painting, and this changed my life. Folk paintings contain a lot of symbols. It contains happiness, fortune, wealth, and fame. As I drew folk paintings to symbolize meaning, my mind was purified. All those events in my life, they wouldn’t be a big deal. So, each day became more enjoyable and my perspective on something changed. It was to the point where I felt happy just by looking at the sky and doing nothing.

 

Q. Tell us about your work.

A. The more you touch a folk painting, the clearer and brighter it becomes. I think my mindset has become like. Now, I feel like I’m getting sick if I don’t draw folk paintings. And I realized that ‘happiness is something I create for myself.’ I drew Happy Fishing because I wanted to convey to those who feel isolated and alone that they are not alone. My Roly Poly concept also contains the message that people should persevere and get up even when they are tired.

 

Q. We learned that you have a special bond with Paju.

A. When people think of Paju, most people think of the new city. If there are areas that are developing, there may also be areas that are neglected. Although I am an office worker, I am also a folk painter. I want to make Paju, adjacent to the DMZ, more beautiful with the positive energy of my folk paintings. As a Paju City employee and a folk painting artist, I think I should draw cross-sections that can help us learn more about the good life. 

 

Q. How do you explain about creative folk paintings?

A. Creative folk paintings are characterized by freedom of expression. It is truly difficult to express in words the charm of being able to incorporate the energy of positivity, a broad topic, into folk paintings. Folk paintings are not confined by a framework and are very expressive. 

 

Q. We learned that you recently finished an academic course.

A. I recently completed the creative folk painting educator course at Kyung Hee University’s Graduate School of Education, and was able to meet really passionate professors. Drawing and eating with them once a week were truly happy days for me. In order to move forward into wider seas, I think I need to produce more diverse works. In particular, the bond between seniors and juniors is so good that it serves as a strong fence for me.

 

Q. What are your future plans?

A. I want to be remembered as a folk painting writer who exudes happiness. I want to create bigger masterpieces in a spacious studio, open a folk painting school in Paju, and create a link where artists can communicate in one place. I also hope to promote the beauty of Korean folk paintings by holding a solo exhibition abroad. I also work as a village design color worker in Paju City and recently acquired the qualifications of an architectural factory technician. I also want to do work to beautify the dull neighborhood, including mural work.

지윤석 기자  jsong_ps13@naver.com