Nov.-Dec. 2011 - Maryland Institute College of Art

end to end:
Works by Youngmi
Song Organ ’02
Friday, November 18–Sunday, December 18
Bunting Center: Pinkard Gallery, 1401 W. Mount Royal Ave.
Reception: Friday, November 18, 5–7 pm
With an interest in everyday ContemPorary life,
drawing faculty member Youngmi Song Organ ’02 uses every
tool imaginable to create art. The 15-20 pieces in this solo show
were created by affixing strands of her own hair to paper in
tightly arranged, geometric compositions.
Organ’s work reflects her understanding of what it means
to live by carefully depicting thought processes through the
geometrical shapes of her drawings. In this case, Organ’s
self-reflective process is made possible each morning when
she brushes her hair, producing enough loose strands for that
day’s work.
“For me, it was natural to begin using the hair which
had belonged to me. Once it falls off it becomes a different
substance itself,” said Organ. “By using my own hair in my
work, I realize that I try to make a connection between the past
and the future. My hair was the section of my body that was
the perfect example of the circle of nature which has a sense of
history and relationships.”
When speaking of her work, Organ said: “Each line
represents each individual life which never stops going, the
continuation of history. I learn that my existence is just a small
part of the huge cosmos.”
Born in Korea, Organ has studied traditional oriental
painting since she was 15. She received her MFA at MICA
in 2002 and has since shown her work in numerous solo and
group shows across the country. She currently lives in Virginia
and teaches Sumi Ink Painting and The Coloration of Asian
Painting at MICA, as well as Drawing 1 and 2 at George
Mason University.
(top to bottom) all work by Youngmi Song Organ. Clouds, artist’s hair, 2010;
Balance, artist’s hair, 2006.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS 39