Today we’d like to introduce you to Juri Rhyu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From making art to looking at art, I have always loved art. Studying Fine Arts in college happened very naturally. I was lost in life, and I wasn’t confident I would survive in the wild world of art. After graduating college, I stopped making art for years.
I pursued art education instead of practicing art, hoping to be close to the art world yet make a stable income. My 20 was a series of running away from being an artist no matter how much I wanted to make and be an artist. I choose to be a nonartist rather than a failed artist.
However, when I hit 30, I experienced many life-changing crises. COVID-19 happened, and I had difficulty getting VISA to stay in the US. I had no choice but to leave New York. I left New York. My biggest regrets are that I chickened out of the art world I didn’t even try. I made a million excuses not to make art.
However, I came back to New York earlier than I expected because my ex-finance proposed to me. Not as I hoped for, yet my life in New York was a total digester. I ended up breaking up with my ex, but this wasn’t the hardest thing; as an Asian being a part of an Asian family, they judged me for breaking the engagement. Even if it wasn’t my fault and it was a reasonable breakup, my family was embarrassed that the engagement was broken, and they are ashamed now they have to tell people that the wedding was called off. My family considered me as if I was an object that had been broken and returned, and they had no choice but to take it back because of the warranty.
Art saved my life.
Being abandoned by the person I trusted most and living with my abusive sister pushed me to the edge. I wanted to end my life to free myself from the miserable life, but a question hit me.”If I die tomorrow, what do I want to do for the last day?” the answer was straightforward: If this is the last time making art I want to make art that truth to myself. Because I never created any work that shows who I am because I felt like showing truthful art was like being naked in front of a crowd. So I got up, bought a canvas, and started painting the First-Hand painting series.
The Grey Rock (30″ x 25″)
“The grey rock method is a strategy for protecting yourself from abusive or toxic friends, partners, co-workers, or family members. This method theorizes that, when dealing with an emotionally abusive, toxic, or narcissistic person, withholding your reactions can put a stop to their behaviors. If you show no emotion, they won’t get the thrill or enjoyment out of their harmful behavior.”
I covered myself with many grey hands and forgot how colorful and full of life I was.
This was my first-hand painting, and I am making art to remind myself and others how beautiful we are inside and full of life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My approach to art, focusing on the emotional complexities of the human experience and seeking to provide comfort through my work, is truly inspiring. The emphasis on acknowledging the inherent sadness in life and using art as a means to embrace change and offer solace is a powerful perspective. I am dedicated to reminding people of their inner brightness, providing hope, and creating warm paintings that touch and comfort others, which is commendable. It’s clear that your art is deeply personal and stems from your own experiences of seeking comfort and support.
How do you think about luck?
Luck, both good and bad, has played a significant role in shaping my life and artistic journey. I firmly believe that all events happen for a reason. Despite facing challenges and difficult moments in the past, I consider myself fortunate that these experiences gave me the courage to pursue art.
In alignment with the sentiment expressed in AJR’s “100 Bad Days” song, I believe that a hundred bad days have contributed to a hundred good stories in my life. These experiences, though challenging, have added depth and richness to my personal narrative. They’ve become a source of inspiration for my art, allowing me to channel emotions and create meaningful work.
In essence, adversity has been a catalyst for my artistic expression, making me resilient and providing unique stories that make me interesting not just as an artist but also in the broader context of my life’s journey.
Pricing:
- 1x1inch $2
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: jurirhyu
