The Work of
Sougwen Chung
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Fluid, delicate, ethereal, intricate—these are all adjectives one could employ in describing the incredible work of Sougwen Chung. Yet don't think for a second that her art is intentionally precious in a flowery sort of way. On the contrary, Sougwen's compositions are the result of relentless experimentation, improvisation, and meditation on the psyche. The results are undeniably beautiful, yes, but also suggestive—through their play of light and shadow, density and sparsity, flow and entanglement—of the infinite complexity within.
To mark Sougwen's first release for Ghostly International Editions (see right), we asked the artist a few getting-to-know-you type questions.
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How did you get started on your path to becoming an artist?
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I have a background in music and a bachelors in fine arts. My current body of work developed through experimentation, improvisation, and some degree of isolation.
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What is your earliest childhood memory about art?
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The earliest experiences that resonated deeply with me were inextricably linked to creation / performance. Probably one of my first violin recitals growing up—to overcome the nervousness of being at the center of attention to become this channel of creativity was pretty transcendental, actually.
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Describe what your first artistic use of the internet was like? When (if ever) did it ever feel natural?
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I used to hand-code my own websites in the days of angelfire and geocities... posting pictures I made and things I would write. It was quite a little culture, then... much more anonymous and exclusive. Today, in terms of online behavior, I pretty much do the same thing... except the drawing's a bit better, now ;-)
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Describe a perfect day in the studio.
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Any day I make progress.
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It's your last chance to create something and you're given a choice between the pencil or the mouse, which do you choose?
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A pencil, without a doubt. At this point, I still find analog materials more intimate, gratifying and universal. Particular qualities of the substance itself, like texture, tooth, and viscosity can be inspiring in and of themselves.
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Do you like video games? If so, why? Favorite one?
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I lost a month of my life this winter to Minecraft, but I suppose it was therapeutic as it was shatteringly desolate in New York that season. I used to consider myself the best Tetris Attack player in North America, but not sure if that still stands today.
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If you could collaborate with any musical talent, who would it be and why?
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I'm not really sure at this point, as I'm reaching a crossroads of sorts with my work. I'm certainly open to suggestions. Off of the Ghostly catalog I would love to work with Rafael Anton Irisarri.
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If you were born into another form, not human, what would it be, and when?
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As long as we're using our imaginations, could I be formless? Formless and definitely in the future.
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