Zang Zong-Son: Artist Feature

A blank canvas has infinite possibilities, and for Hong Kong-based Korean Artist Zang Zong-Son, her everyday experiences and the tales behind the ordinary are the perfect ingredients to fill her canvases with. Zong-Son’s vivid visual narratives mirror not just real life but reveal a private expression of the artist herself. Her abstract-like, still-life compositions of everyday objects and landscapes of her familiar Stanley neighbourhood grab the viewer’s attention and invite them into a conversation. Zong-Son describes herself as an observational artist, one who absorbs the “emotional geography of a place” and her experiences to create the visual stories she does.

We sit with the artist to learn more about her work.

Congratulations on your first solo exhibition, Zong-Son. We would love to know how and when you started your artistic journey.

My artistic journey began late. I was a mom of twin babies and just moved to Hong Kong for the second time. But I felt an inner desire to reshape my identity as a mom as a fledgling painter at the same time. After trying some art courses in Hong Kong, my pursuit expanded to overseas courses and workshops by the artists I wanted to learn. This became the curriculum and journey I designed for myself.

Tell us about your artistic style and how you developed it.

Although I would generally call my painting style semi-abstract, any art has abstract elements. I am an observational painter who paints from real life rather than from photo images or imagination. I still go out to draw or paint outdoors. In front of vast nature or from many details I can observe anywhere and everywhere, what else can I do than edit and abstract? Once I enjoy the freedom of interpretation of my inner and outer world together, my painting narrative has become more playful and joyful. 

Please tell us about some of the themes depicted in your artwork.

My themes at the current exhibition are pages out of my diary. Events that happened on ordinary days – ‘Run Day Without Purse but Back With Flowers’, the flowers and cake my friend sent me, the path I took to the post office, the cafe corner from which I avoided rain, Typhoon 8 day etc. They represent my daily life through my painter’s lens in my special corner of Hong Kong, Stanley.

I always put more emphasis on a short and impactful visual narration than on the personal story of people. But I recently started painting my refugee friend who sadly is unable to go back to his home country. This combined storytelling of visual and human elements is something I want to experiment more in future.

What is your painting process like? Any behind-the-scenes tidbits you can share with us?

I like to use multi mediums such as Acrylic, Acrylic gouache, crayon, and charcoal. I start with drawing, collages, and some visual images to map out. I think about 2-3 colors who will be the leading actors. Other than this broad plan, I really do not like any tight scripts or strict road maps from the beginning till the end. The painting itself often guides me to a direction if I let go of control. I like the spontaneous conversation between me and my painting. I hope many hours of intuitive but contemplated decision making process are captured in every layer and corner of my canvas. 

Talk to us a little about what you call your “editing process” in your art.

The editing process shows what my painting is about. Painting is often like poetry. I carefully consider what not to include so as to create visual Haiku instead of getting swamped by hundreds of visual information in front of me. The beautiful parts of the canvas are sometimes diminished or erased if they don’t sing harmonious songs with the other parts. All the harmonious parts are often broken if the painting looks too predictable and safe. Through this process, I try to find my authentic voice.

Who and what inspires you to create?

Nature and chaotic urban scenes in HK, I always look for interesting painting motifs and have been able to find them everywhere I go. 
My painting ancestors, Matisse, for his relentless pursuit of his vision which he never compromised. Richard Diebenkorn, for his courage of not staying in comfort zone and transforming his paintings in each stage. And David Hockney, for his pure joy of painting well into his 80s. 

Tell us a little about your current exhibition at Soluna Fine Art in Hong Kong.

Invitation is my first solo show at the gallery. I think living as an artist is such a fortunate thing. I see the world through my lens, discovering any small things or unexpected beauty anywhere. From still life compositions in my studio to the landscapes of my familiar Stanley neighborhood, this exhibition reflects the rich texture of my experiences in vibrant Hong Kong. Visually, sensually, emotionally, I just want to invite everyone to embark on a journey through my paintings and step into my own world.

Finally, how do you like your coffee?

First coffee in the morning is double espresso with warm milk (a bit less than latte). Second coffee is one espresso with warm milk. And then one more americano until 1 pm. 

Zang Zong-Son’s solo exhibition will be at Soluna Fine Art, Hong Kong, until December 21, 2024.