Images as a Medium of Micro-Narratives

Scepticism towards grand narratives (or for meta-narratives) has been one of the main perceptions of Post-Modernism. According to Post-Structuralists such as Jean-Francois Lyotard, we have ceased to believe the narratives that have assumed Reason for Truth in our perceptions and expressions: we have become conscious of chaos and disorder, which have been neglected by the grand narratives. Lyotard adds that behind the grand narrative, is a concealed structure of power. Grand narratives have overlooked the nuances and diversity of our individual aspirations, desires and beliefs throughout the development of human liberty and expression. Lyotard reiterated that our diverse passions couldn’t be defined by a specific theory.
Lyotard’s assertions that Post-Modernism is not characterized by grand narratives but by specific local contexts and diversity of our experiences are therefore called ‘local narratives’ or ‘micro-narratives’.
By and large, Park Young-in’s work reminds of the micro-narrative as put forth by Lyotard. Park Young-in has been consistent since her early abstract works to her current theme , focused on the local narratives of Nature and Music. Her recent Puppy imagery is consistent with her personal narratives. Her weekly visits to the studio at Pyeongchang, listening to music, and care for the puppies, have been her personal life for a long time.
Abstract art in the 20th century has been close to the grand narratives in that they seek the origins of plasticity; Park Young-in’s abstract work is a close and intimate personal soliloquy. Through her works, she draws attention to the natural environment, expressed as abstract rhythms and colors inspired by rural life. It was, as the artist said, “An expression of happiness and peace of mind coming from rural life, the attunement of the soul to music, manifested through the use of a bright scale of colors and smooth lines.”
Park Young-in’s concentration on ‘small’ narratives led her to bear Puppy, her new image. It draws our attention in view of the fact that Korean contemporary art has long been dominated by the grand-narrative, which has been developed in the dualistic scheme; historical identity and international synchronicity. With no exception, Park Young-in’s previous abstract work can be categorized as such. But the artist’s recent Puppy image cannot be involved in such a scheme. In some sense, it is rather paradoxical, or even rebellious. As our history and cultures are anthropocentric, life forms that are non-human nature are excluded from them. Park Young-in’s imagery of a Puppy is a realization of the will to express the animal as a metaphor that the artist cherishes and loves.
Lately, many artists, including Park Young-in, have been tackling their own concerns rather than attaching grand narratives. They have tried not to pontificate on the themes of the grand-narratives, and have developed their own ‘local’ vernacular and personal narratives on as foci points in their artistic expression.
Painter Park is a graduate of SooDo Women’s Teachers University with BfA and also Graduate school of Kyonggi University with MfA. She held solo exhibitions for 19 times, the latest one being one at Acube Gallery in Seoul this year, preceded by one at Gallery H in Seoul in 2009 and at Hangaram Museum in straight four years from 2007 and this year.
She also displayed her art pieces at art fairs 28 times, the latest one being at Manif 16! in Seoul this year, at Hilton Hotel Art Fair at Hilton Hotel in Seoul She also participated in AHAF(Asia Top Gallery Hotel Art Fair) at Hyatt Hong Kong this year. She also participated in L.A. Art Show at LA Convention Center this year and also Art Singapore (Suntec Level 4, Singapore, 2009-2010. nw

Nature-Romantic Cantabile/162.2x130.3cm/resin, mixed media2010

Nature-Romantic Cantabile/112x145.5cm/resin, mixed media2010

Nature-Romantic Cantabile/72.7x60.6cm/resin, mixed media2010

Nature-Romantic Cantabile/112x145.5cm/resin, mixed media2010

Nature-Romantic Cantabile/72.7x116.7cm/resin, mixed media2010

Nature-Romantic Cantabile/60x30cm/resin, mixed media2010