Artist JeongMee Yoon, Published Photo book 'Companion Animals'.
2016-02-22 l Hit 1678
INTERVIEW
Artist JeongMee Yoon, Published Photo book, ‘Companion Animals’
 Artist JeongMee Yoon,
Published Photo book, ‘Companion Animals,’ |
“Through investigating the relationship between owners and their companion animals, the owners’ family types and tastes can be revealed.”
Artist JeongMee Yoon, who mainly focuses on the relationship between modern people and their companion animals through her photographs, published a photo book with recent pictures of companion animals. In times past, the concept of companion animals did not exist. Nowadays, a growing number of people are adopting companion animals as part of their family, due to the rise of the nuclear family, DINK, and singles. By shedding light on the relationship between companion animals, the contemporary family, and people, the artist investigates the family types and tastes of Koreans, and compiled her work into a book.
 Cover of the photo book, 'Companion Animals.' |
When opening the impressive yellow cover of the photo book, you can see numerous photos of owners and their companion animals posing in various ways for their photos. If you look thoroughly into the photographs, you will be amazed by the fact that the owners, their companion animals, and their living space resemble each other.
What inspired the artist to work with the concept of people and their companion animals?
“Just like any other kids living in a dreary city environment, my children wanted to raise a puppy. We were able to adopt a two-month old puppy, ‘Mong-i’, fulfilling the long-cherished wish. Over time, taking care of Mong-i had become my duty and that made me a companion of Mong-i. While going for walks with Mong-i, passersby often commented that Mong-i and I look alike, and then I realized that many of my friends who raise companion animals resemble their pets. That was the starting point of my work: taking pictures of companion animals and their owners.”
 Artist JeongMee Yoon having a pleasant time with her pet. |
At first, she started taking pictures of Mong-i, her own puppy, and her family. After that, her models extended to her friends and acquaintances. Finally, she recruited participants using billboards and receiving recommendations from people. As the work progressed, she recognized the importance of the space that owners and their pets share. She spent two full years, from 2014 to 2015, working with about 100 people and capturing stories of people and their companion animals.
“It was fun to visit houses and look around their places, the ways they live, and their stuff, while taking pictures of their companion animals. Audiences at the exhibition often wondered who the protagonists were and what do they do for living. I was able to examine the relationships between companion animals, their owners, and their living space and it gave me visual satisfaction.”
The exhibition was held from December 18th, 2015 to January 13th, 2016 at Lee Hwaik gallery. Through the exhibition, artist JungMee Yoon displayed pictures of companion animals. At the same time, she published a photo book in order to present her work to audiences overseas and to introduce her work widely. Also, she wanted the public who could not visit her exhibition to enjoy her work through the book.
“An exhibition is just a one-time event, but books last a long time. Also, it is hard for the exhibition in Korea to be known about in foreign countries. I have been able to promote myself effectively by handing my books out to people I meet abroad. That is why I published books for my exhibitions. This is my third book.
“The companion animals project will expand in the future. Up to now, I mostly photographed dogs and cats, but I am planning on taking pictures of unique animals other than dogs and cats. I am also thinking of photographing people from all around the world besides Koreans.
“During the exhibition, there were some requests for me to take pictures of people and their companion animals. So, I will continue the project with those people. Also, I will take pictures of special animals, or interesting owners. I am planning on photographing foreigners as my models.”
Artist JungMee Yoon graduated with a degree in Western painting from the College of Fine Arts at Seoul National University in 1992, studied photography at Hongik University in 1999, and majored in photography in New York, USA. Up to now, she has made a ‘Zoo’ series, a ‘Museum of Natural History’ series, the ‘Pink & Blue Project’, and a ‘Modern Novel’ series.
Written by Hyo-won Kim, a journalist at Sports Seoul eggroll88@hanmail.net
Image provided by JeongMee Yoon
2016. 2. 26 ⓒKorean Artist Project
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