[비즈한국] Laundry flutters in an old neighborhood atop a steep flight of stairs. The blue sea reflects in weathered windowpanes. A single azalea thrust into a white, burnt coal briquette; a small wooden chair left lonely in front of a sash door. The paintings by artist Jeong Si-ne, which capture the landscapes of the hillside villages (daldongne) below Busan’s Sanbok Road, carry the scent of nostalgia. It is the savory scent of memories, much like the puffed rice snacks eaten in childhood.
I met with artist Jeong Si-ne, who participated as an emerging artist in the '2025 Eurasia Busan International Art Fair,' to talk about her paintings and her work. Jeong paints the landscapes of Busan's old neighborhoods as if time has stopped in a rapidly changing world. This is because she hopes people will find comfort and solace in those scenes, just as she did herself.
ㅡWhy do you paint old neighborhoods?
I believe there is hope in old landscapes or old houses—in the trivial things we easily pass by. Even if it is an old house, I try to express it beautifully and put my heart into painting it.
ㅡDid the neighborhood you lived in as a child look like the places in your paintings?
Back then, parts of Busan were all like this. Houses were packed tightly together, and if you called a friend’s name, they would come right out. I travel around looking for such places to paint, capturing the memories of my childhood.
ㅡIt seems that alongside cutting-edge contemporary art, there is a sentiment that seeks such memories and warmth.
When people are living too busily and are exhausted from daily life, I want them to feel comforted and have a relaxing moment while looking at my paintings. I am truly happy when visitors actually tell me that. I wonder if we really need to keep chasing only the new things. There are environmental issues, and I don't think it's entirely a good thing. It breaks my heart to see high-rise apartments overlooking the ocean being built where such houses once stood.
ㅡThe works painted on white clay (baekto) look unique. Do you make the white clay base yourself?
At first, I made clay slip and experimented with various things before finding this method. Now, I roll the clay into slabs to form sheets, apply ceramic pigments, and fire them in a kiln. I didn't major in ceramics, but I learned it specifically for my work because clay has a warm feel.
ㅡWhat do you consider most important when working?
It’s the heart, more than techniques or materials. I try to put my sincerity into the paintings. Even when depicting a broken wall, though it may look old, shabby, and trivial, I want it to look beautiful—not hateful or unpleasant to the eye. That is why I sprinkle gold leaf. Even though it is a decaying, old neighborhood, I want the neighborhood I lived in to remain a warm and beautiful place. That is why I feel so good when visitors see my paintings and tell me they feel pretty or look beautiful.
ㅡYou lived in Seoul before coming down to Busan; how is it compared to your life in Seoul?
I moved to Seoul when I was ten and returned to Busan when I was thirty-five. I never once forgot Busan while living in Seoul. When I lived in Seoul, I felt I had no breathing room and lived a very busy, harsh life. After coming to Busan, I found leisure and my life changed. Also, many good things have happened since I came to Busan. I have plenty of time to paint, and because I love the sea, I go sea swimming. It’s truly wonderful.
ㅡAre you currently focusing only on your painting work?
Yes. Having lived a life where I didn't paint for a while, I know all too well how precious this life is, and I don't want to let go of it. My goal is to paint until I die. Since I know that isn't easy, I believe I need to put in a lot of effort.
Jeong Si-ne’s face was filled with both tension and excitement, as the 2025 Eurasia Busan International Art Fair was the first time she had set up such a large booth on her own. Many visitors stopped by her booth to soak in the nostalgia and purchase her works. Artist Jeong Si-ne is currently working as a resident artist at the Gamman Creative Culture Village, supported by the Busan Cultural Foundation, and will participate in the 'Santa Fair 2025' exhibition held at the 18-1 Gallery in Busan from the 15th to the 28th. She is currently active in Busan, including winning a prize in the Western Painting (Figurative) category at the 48th Busan Art Exhibition in 2022.