From Introspection to Expression, Minji Seo’s Creative Process
Interview By Sooa Lim​​
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist?
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I am Minji Seo, an interdisciplinary artist whose practice centers on color, materiality, and introspection. After studying Fine Arts in Korea, I earned an MFA at SVA in New York. My work bridges personal reflection and cross-cultural dialogue, examining how individual narratives intersect with broader social contexts.​​​
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2. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your art?
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​Central to my work is “flow,” where emotional, spatial, and creative elements converge. Influenced by phenomenology and mindfulness, I depict fleeting yet meaningful moments by drawing wavelike, undulating lines and filling negative spaces with bold primary colors. Seen from a distance, these elements merge into a wallpaper-like pattern, inviting viewers to perceive a unified whole beyond its parts.
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3. How do you approach a new artwork, from concept to completion?
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My process begins by collecting spontaneous ideas from memories, visual impressions, or nocturnal reflections. I refine key concepts, sometimes finalizing a title early to guide research. Embracing unforeseen challenges and experimenting with diverse media imbues each piece with authenticity and complexity.
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4. What inspires your artwork, and how does your environment influence your creative process?
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Daily observations, emotional changes, and genuine discourse inspire my creative process. A subtle shift in seasonal light or a friend’s offhand remark can spark an entire body of work. While New York’s cultural diversity broadens my viewpoint, self-reflection ensures a balanced and authentic approach.
5. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?
Self-doubt remains a recurring challenge. Open dialogues with fellow artists revealed that doubt can fuel innovation rather than diminish artistic value. Writing by hand clarifies my concerns, transforming uncertainty into renewed creative direction.
6. Does your identity as an Asian inform your art, or do you think it's irrelevant?
My Asian background continually informs my perspective, blending traditional influences with contemporary experiences. Though not always overt, this cultural foundation enriches my work and resonates with viewers who seek nuanced contexts or share similar heritage.
7. Can you describe your daily routine as an artist? What practices or habits are essential to your creative process?
I follow a structured yet adaptable routine. Mornings typically begin with light stretching, journaling, and reading, which help me focus my thoughts. I reserve specific intervals for research and production, interspersed with brief breaks. Walking along the East River at sunrise to observe migratory birds connects me to natural rhythms and often sparks fresh concepts.
8. What upcoming artworks, projects, or exhibitions are you currently working on?
I am preparing a new piece for an upcoming Samiljeol (Korea’s Independence Movement Day) project, focusing on yin, yang, and unity. By integrating intaglio and relief printing with historical reflection, I extend my “flow” concept to illustrate how seemingly opposing forces converge into a cohesive whole.
Chief Editor Paris Koh