I spoke with artist Green (born Yong Woon Park) about his abstract paintings, his wider practice and how he expects his work to evolve.
He puts a lot of passion and emotion into his work, making himself extremely vulnerable. It’s an element of creativity that I’ve always admired, artists create works that feel like an extension of themselves and put them out in the public not knowing how people will react. People may be drawn to it or inspired by it, but they could also be dismissive and derisory towards their art.
His work reminds me of the Action Painters, the likes of Jackson Pollock, Arshile Gorky and Willem de Kooning, in that the performative element of his creative process is as much a part of the work as the finished product. He gets swept up in the moment and doesn’t know where the process will lead him, he has some idea but it only reaches clarity when he has emotionally unburdened himself.
A creative life comes with financial precarity and often placing your self-worth in the hands of others, but it also means you rarely meet an artist who will retire – they will keep creating until they die. I get that feeling from Green’s work that the very act of painting is what keeps him energised, makes him feel alive and if he was denied access to it then he wouldn’t know what else to do. His calling is to be an artist.
How much are your works planned versus instinctive? Do you know what they will look like before you start?
Before I approach the canvas, I shape a foundational story, message, or metaphor I wish to convey. I reflect on my emotions and vulnerabilities, considering how to capture them in their rawest form. The inspiration for these ideas emerges from objects, animals, faces, mythology, and experiences that speak to the collective human experience and the inequalities and oppression in the world.
I begin by sketching on my iPad or, at times, directly on the canvas. Once the painting begins, my emotions quickly take over, and instinct becomes my guide. I start with a single colour and gradually layer others, adding texture through hands, brushes, painting knives, and sticks, hoping to achieve a mix of chaos and beauty.
I step back frequently, recalibrating my vision to avoid overpainting, careful not to smother the underlying idea. I resist the urge to paint directly from life, for fear it might limit my freedom. Instead, I rely on memories and emotional responses, like snapshots or dream sequences within my mind.
Sometimes I squeeze the paint straight from the tube onto the canvas. I enjoy balancing colours and clashing them, harmony with discord, and building density in some areas while leaving others raw and unpainted.
What do you want people to see in your work and what do they see in your work?
Through my work, I invite viewers into my emotional landscape, a space sometimes shaped by the turbulence of navigating a world burdened with unattainable ideals and fractured moralities. At other times, this space is one of hope, humour, and satire, an invitation to laugh freely and embrace life’s complexities with joy.
What is justice in a world defined by inequality? Why does progress often come at the expense of others? How many people sacrifice their very identities for the illusion of wealth? These questions form the backbone of my artistic narrative, encouraging viewers to explore these themes in their own lives through a lens of hope and resilience.
Just as art lays bare the complexities of human experience, allowing us to question, critique, and reimagine, so too can individuals foster empathy, dialogue, and compassion within their communities – ultimately shaping a world that reflects the higher ideals we all aspire to uphold.
Feedback from viewers following my exhibitions has been incredibly moving. The dynamic interplay between abstraction, textured forms, and vibrant colour expression has resonated, often eliciting strong, visceral reactions. While the shapes within my pieces may remain ambiguous, viewers find something compelling in the rough textures, tangled colours, and, as some call them, “childlike scribbles” that channel my unfiltered emotions. They sense my anger, anxiety, desire, and fear, the tension between freedom and constraint.
How do you know a work is finished?
I recognise that my work is complete when the movement within the composition feels harmoniously aligned. Each painting communicates with me, whispering signals that guide my intuition. In this intimate dialogue, I discern which areas crave more vibrancy or subtlety, and where colour needs to be intensified or softened.
When the painting no longer beckons for adjustment, I take a moment to pause and reflect, meticulously examining every detail to ensure that nothing remains unresolved. This ritual of introspection reassures me that the piece has found its voice and is ready to resonate with others.
What comes next for you in terms of the evolution of your practice?
My primary goal is to deepen my exploration of colour and texture, enhancing the expression of my visual language. I aspire to experiment with a wider array of flexible materials and techniques, incorporating diverse mediums to enrich my artistic palette, and craft narratives that resonate deeply with my audience.
I am particularly excited about the prospect of working on larger canvases with bigger brushes, allowing for a more immersive engagement with my subjects. I plan to explore themes rooted in the natural world and landscapes, celebrating the beauty, complexity and brutality of our environment.
I remain open to inspiration from unexpected corners of my life, ready to adapt and incorporate fresh ideas into my work. Yet, my critique of modern society and its moral failings, intertwined with the themes arising from my personal life experiences, will remain integral to my artistic practice.
I aim to cultivate a distinct identity as a painter, one that embraces vulnerability and authenticity, unafraid to reveal my true self through my art. By weaving together personal experiences and insights, I hope to create works that reflect my journey, but also invite viewers to explore their emotions and connections to the wider world.
You can learn more about the artist on his website and Instagram.
All images copyright the artist. Works titled ‘Gangster Fond of Playing with Fire’ & ‘Don’t Shoot. I Surrender’, both created in 2024 – oil on canvas.
