The 77^th ARTCaffè hosted Jen Pak, with an audience both in-person in Seoul and on-line in Zoom.

Jen took us through her artistic endeavors, with a focus on her main series.

The world of Legos has been a constant source of inspiration for Jen, starting from her earlier works: "Lego, with its inherent sense of joy and order, embodied the very qualities I sought to manifest in my life. It became a symbol of the fun and structured world I craved in reality, and it sparked a deep passion within me."

‍On that world laid the foundation of the Legoscape and Legoscaping series: "Together, 'Legoscaping' and 'Legoscape' offer a multi-dimensional exploration of the Lego-inspired world. 'Legoscaping' captures the ever-changing nature of our cities, while 'Legoscape' delves into the essence of form, color, and abstraction. Both series contribute to a deeper understanding of the concept of order and the dynamic beauty that lies within architectural elements."

With the following Legoscaped series, “which represents a departure from the recognizable forms found in Legoscape," Jen investigated more complex and abstract compositions.

‍“By incorporating these themes and utilizing black as a symbolic element, the Legoscaped series delves into deeper existential and philosophical questions. It invites viewers to contemplate the fragility of human existence, the resilience of nature, and the vastness of the universe.”

‍In 2022, the ‘Into the Void’ series emerged from her exploration of meditation practices and the concept of letting go: "By providing a focal point for contemplation, I aimed to create a space for viewers to temporarily escape from the realities of the external world and immerse themselves in a state of reflection and inner calm.”

Regarding the series 'Reflection', she said that “by encouraging viewers to engage with the paintings from a place of introspection, the series invited a deeper understanding of oneself and the importance of self-reflection in our personal growth and well-being.”

Lastly, Jen shared some of her explorations with alternative mediums beyond traditional paintings, showcasing the versatility of her artistic expression. First, her sculptures, realised in different materials: "These sculptures extended beyond the two-dimensional surface, representing a visual and symbolic means of allowing the buildings to escape outside the confines of the painting."‍

Then, the tufting: "This venture into tufting has been a recent exploration of mine. The rug serves as a juxtaposition between the softness and warmth of the wool and the geometric nature of the buildings. It sparks a delightful dialogue between contrasting elements, inviting viewers to consider the interplay between textures and forms. Working on this rug has been a joyous endeavor, as it merges my passion for art with the tactile and sensory experience of textiles. It offers a unique way to engage with the concept of a city, bringing it into our everyday spaces and allowing us to interact with it in a more intimate and tangible manner."

‍‍As a very generous treat for the ARTCaffè's community, for the first time, ever, Jen shared her sketches, and provided a real sneak peek on her creative process - from the initial spark of inspiration to the meticulous execution of her works.