Gi-Yong Jang is an artist deeply influenced by the intersection of visual art and music. In his early twenties, he began creating abstract images that captured the essence of longing and exploration through the accidental movements of paint. This journey took a pivotal turn when he encountered a street musician. As he listened blankly to the performance and later conversed with the musician, he discovered the complexities of the musician’s life, which contrasted starkly with the sweet, love-filled sounds of the music.
This experience shifted Jang's focus from music itself to the emotions of those who create it. He realized that true expression arises not merely from observing or hearing an object, but from a deeper engagement with it. Music, while a simple sound, became a rich tapestry of sensory experiences that revealed his own emotional landscape.
Observing various performance venues and the enthusiastic audiences, Jang noted the passionate excitement that filled the air, despite the potential struggles and discomforts each listener might face. He recognized that even amidst negative emotions, there exists a core of joy, passion, and hope.
Through his work, Jang aims to highlight this resilience, celebrating the unique individuality of each person. He believes that while emotional expression may be constrained in everyday life, music provides a gateway to evoke personal memories and feelings, often surfacing unexpectedly.
For Jang, music is an omnipresent companion in life. It offers not only a platform for free emotional expression in concert halls but also a means for audiences and musicians alike to connect deeply with their own emotions.
Ultimately, he hopes that through the shared experience of music, individuals will uncover the multitude of emotions within themselves, fostering a journey towards passion and happiness. Jang envisions his art as a bridge that emphasizes empathy and the intrinsic human values that often go overlooked.