Meet Herok | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Herok and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Herok, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am an abstract painter born in Busan, who has lived in Seoul, Atlanta, and currently resides in New York. The reason I came to the United States was to change my environment to pursue my art. Both Atlanta and New York have provided me with significant artistic inspiration, and their vibrant art scenes have played a crucial role in my creative practice.

The sea and nature in Busan symbolically represented the way memory is formed and reconstructed through the continuous change and cycles in nature. These experiences became the foundation of my artistic journey in exploring memory. The emotional traces left by waiting and loss during my early years gradually became the basis of my work, evolving into deep reflections on life, death, and human existence.

My military service left an indelible mark on my practice. In the midst of violence and fear, I was confronted with the contradiction of having to learn destruction to protect. The desolate landscapes of war and the sounds of tanks continue to resonate in my work. These experiences go beyond personal trauma, serving as symbols of my critique of power, capitalism, and social norms.

My work focuses on the process of creation itself rather than the final result. I emphasize the unpredictable elements that arise from material interactions and physical interventions. Tools that I once used in different contexts have taken on new meanings in my studio, where I scrape and rebuild the surface of my work. Through these repetitive acts of erasing and layering, I seek to express the tension between destruction and regeneration, capturing both discomfort and satisfaction. This ongoing process of building up and erasing mirrors the continuous reinterpretation of memory, constantly reshaping itself in my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work centers on the exploration of memory. Rather than stemming from specific events, it is shaped by various moments and symbols that emerge through the creative process. Memory, for me, is not fixed—it continuously evolves, revealing subtle, new aspects with each encounter. This deeply personal process can overwhelm me with intense emotions or bring joy, but it always leads to the discovery of something previously unseen. I liken memory to a wave, constantly enveloping me in different ways, shifting direction as it approaches.

The foundation of my creative journey is rooted in emotional experiences from my early life. The traces left by waiting and loss have grown over time, becoming the basis of my work. These early impressions evolved into profound reflections on life, death, and human existence, which continue to influence my artistic expression.

My military experience left an indelible mark on my practice. Exposed to violence and fear, I faced the contradiction of learning to destroy in order to protect. The sounds of tanks and gunfire, along with the desolate landscapes of war, continue to resonate within my work. These experiences serve as symbols not only of personal trauma but also of my critique of power, capitalist ideologies, and societal norms. These memories are visually reconstructed through acts of destruction and regeneration.

My process focuses more on the act of creation itself than on the final outcome. By emphasizing the unpredictable elements that arise from material interactions and my physical interventions, I engage with the emotional weight of the tools I use. For instance, the wire brush I once used to scrape rust from tanks now becomes a tool in my studio, as I scrape and reconfigure the surface of my work. This act of scraping and rebuilding serves as a metaphor for how memory is constantly reinterpreted and transformed.

These emotions directly influence my art. Through the repetitive actions of scraping away and layering again, I explore the tension between destruction and regeneration, seeking to express both discomfort and satisfaction. The physical act of building and erasing on the canvas mirrors the continual reinterpretation of memory, constantly reshaping itself in my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While living in the U.S., my family and friends would occasionally visit, and I always hoped they would have a wonderful time and that those memories would remain as cherished experiences for a long time. The most valuable moments for me have always been the times when we had meaningful conversations, and those memories would expand to include the places, spaces, conversations, and people we encountered.

The places I take my friends are those I frequently visit and enjoy. These spots allow us to have meaningful conversations, share stories about the place, or talk about my own experiences there. I prefer places that aren’t too crowded or have enough space to feel comfortable even if there are many people. I like quiet spots where conversations can be easily heard, and I prefer warm lighting and a slightly dim atmosphere over harsh fluorescent lights. During the day, I enjoy parks that get plenty of sunlight.

Some of the places I would take my friends include the High Museum, Piedmont Park, and Stone Mountain in Atlanta, as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Prospect Park in New York.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to two significant influences on my artistic journey. First, my family. Especially my parents, who have always respected my decisions and continuously supported me in pursuing art. Without their encouragement and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Additionally, the mentors I met at SCAD and Pratt have been a great inspiration. They not only taught me technical skills but also constantly challenged me to question the meaning and value of art, leading me to deeper reflections. Thanks to their guidance and support, I have been able to continue experimenting and expanding my artistic vision.

Instagram: @herok

Image Credits
1. Untitled, Oil on Canvas, 46*46inches, 2024
2. Untitled, Oil on linen canvas, 24*28inches, 2024
3. Untitled, Cold wax ,Oil, Gesso relief on canvas, 18*24inches, 20244.
4. Untitled, Oil on Canvas, 18*24inches,2023
5. Untitled, Acrylic, Oil on canvas, 35*35inches, 2024
6. Untitled, Oil pastel on paper, 9*12 inches, 2024