One to Watch
Gazing at the Sky with Zinna Yoo
South Korean artist Zinna Yoo creates striking, graphic landscapes that feature the full moon and sun. Her vivid depictions conjure the sounds of nature—the chirping of birds, the lapping of waves, the rustling of leaves—ushering the viewer into a state of calm and introspection. Discover more about Zinna’s process, technique, and inspiration.
Tell us about who you are and what you do. What’s your background?
My name is Zinna Yoo, and I am an artist based in South Korea. I am an artist who draws inspiration from nature and everyday life. I’m currently focusing on three different series, “Beyond,” “Modern Dalbit,” and “Querencia.” The series I’m doing now started with waves. In early 2019, I frequently visited the sea. As I searched for the sea repeatedly, even when I didn’t go there physically, at some point I could see the waves in front of my eyes and hear the sounds echoing together. When linking this experience to work and creating a painting, I also expressed those sounds and feelings. I wanted to share those emotions with others through the work.
What does your work aim to say? What are the major themes you pursue in your work?
The keyword for all my work is “Whispers of Serenity.” My work expresses the changes in human emotions through painting. Inspired by nature and everyday life, the “Beyond” and “Modern Dalbit” series explore themes of hope––represented by the sun and full moon––and infinite possibilities depicted through the straight and curved lines of the sea. These series use vibrant color flows and subtle changes to convey emotional nuances, providing confidence, stability, and relaxation to those weary of life.
Can you walk us through your process for creating a work from beginning to end?
I express subtle variations in emotion through the flow and change of various colors. Before starting a painting, I often gaze at the blank canvas, then paint or drip the color that comes to mind onto the sky. From there, I layer colors and images, one by one, adding layers that harmonize with the initial color. My approach is to fill the canvas intuitively, letting the emotions flow like water. Sometimes, the work ends differently from what was first envisioned or stops midway.
How does your work comment on current social and political issues?
I don’t specifically comment on social or political issues; rather, I create paintings that offer tranquility amidst the complexities of modern life.
How do you hope viewers respond to your works? What do you want them to feel?
I express my emotions through my work to connect with the audience. I want to convey a message of comfort and hope to the viewers
If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do?
If I could not be a practicing artist, I think I would like to be an art teacher.
Do you prefer to work with music or in silence?
I prefer working in a quiet environment. While working, I believe that I incorporate various sounds into my paintings. I hope that viewers can experience the same visual and auditory sensations that I feel.
What are some of your favorite experiences as an artist?
In my solo exhibition in March 2024, I included music composed by Park Chan-jae and scent created by a diffuser. I set up a speaker in a quiet space with the music playing loudly and placed a chair in the center of the room. Visitors were invited to sit in the chair, listen to the music, and take a moment to rest while engaging with the art. Most of the viewers felt deeply moved, and some even shed tears. While I cannot fully understand why each person felt this way, I recognize that facing oneself can be challenging at times. Rather than fully exposing ourselves to the world, we often hide many aspects and create another version of ourselves. In this complex and relentless era, modern individuals sometimes need time and space to clear their minds and find simplicity.
