Meet Bin Youn | artist & poet

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

Hi Bin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

Risk is desert. Here, barren land where no milk flows.

As a visual artist and poet, I’ve come to understand risk not as a mere concept, but as a visceral experience—a journey into the unknown where the familiar comforts of security are stripped away, leaving behind a landscape of challenges and opportunities. Having arrived in the U.S. in 2018 and spending a transformative year here before returning in 2021, I found myself yearning for the dryness of this place upon my return. It’s an unconventional longing, perhaps, but one that speaks to the essence of risk and its profound impact on my creative process. The dryness of the desert, with its arid expanses and relentless sun, instills within me a restless yearning—a thirst for something more. It’s a landscape that demands resilience, ingenuity, and a willingness to confront the unknown. In its barrenness, I find myself searching not for sustenance, but for the elusive flow that emerges from within.

This yearning for the dryness of the desert resonates deeply with my experiences before returning to the States. While in Korea, I found solace and a sense of freedom in riding a dirtbike across the rugged terrain, navigating through dusty trails and rocky paths. The thrill of each ride mirrored the challenges of the desert—demanding focus, adaptability, and a fearless spirit to conquer the unpredictable twists and turns.

For me, embracing risk is akin to traversing the vast expanses of the desert, guided not by the certainty of a map, but by the intuition of the heart. It’s about daring to venture beyond the confines of comfort and familiarity, and instead, embracing the raw beauty of vulnerability and possibility.

In uncertainty and adversity, the desert becomes a crucible for creativity—a vast space upon which the most daring visions take shape. It’s where the limitations of the familiar dissolve, giving way to boundless possibilities and untapped potential. In the face of risk, I am compelled to explore, to experiment, to push beyond the confines of my comfort zone in search of the elusive currents that will carry me forward.

In my artistic journey, every gesture, every image, every word penned is an act of courage—a leap into the unknown, where success and failure intertwine like the shifting sands of the desert. But it is precisely within this precarious balance that true artistic expression flourishes. It’s where the barren landscapes of risk give way to the fertile grounds of innovation and creativity, yielding fruits that transcend the boundaries of the ordinary.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Imagine traversing the vast expanse of a desert, where each stroke of creativity is a step into the unknown. As a Korean artist living in the United States, I navigate the barren landscape of cultural displacement and linguistic estrangement, drawing inspiration from the desolation of the desert to fuel my creative exploration. Just as the desert offers no guarantee of sustenance, risk permeates my artistic journey, compelling me to confront the uncertainties of self-expression and cultural assimilation. In my work, I intertwine letters, images, and materials like oases amidst the arid terrain, imbuing each creation with layers of meaning and symbolism. Light and space, akin to mirages in the desert, serve as my primary materials, inviting viewers to traverse the shifting sands of spacetime through sensory-based moving image installations.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties inherent in my artistic practice, I embrace the risk of the desert, finding beauty in the barrenness and inspiration in the void. My recent foray into poetry, exemplified by my poem “Somatic Blinds,” serves as a testament to this ethos, as I explore themes of identity, displacement, and longing amidst the vast emptiness of the desert landscape.

Professionally, my journey has been fraught with obstacles, but like a desert nomad forging a path through the dunes, I’ve navigated through adversity with resilience and determination. As I continue to evolve as an artist, I am preparing to embark on a new chapter in my career. Inspired by the transformative power of art, I am committed to studying art therapy, intending to utilize creativity as a means to help others and communities. By integrating my passion for art with therapeutic practices, I hope to provide individuals with the tools and support they need to navigate their inner deserts and find solace and healing amidst the challenges they face.

Ultimately, through my art, I invite viewers to embark on a journey into the unknown, where the desolation of risk gives way to the oasis of creativity, and the barren landscape becomes a canvas for boundless possibility.

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.
It reminds me of my sister’s visit in 2019. I would want to ensure they experience the best of what Los Angeles and its surrounding areas have to offer. I’d start our adventure by immersing them in the quintessential California beach experience at Santa Monica right after the pickup at LAX airport. We’d stroll along the iconic pier, feel the sand between our toes, and maybe even catch a sunset over the Pacific Ocean. From there, I’d take them on a journey to discover the cultural richness and natural beauty of Southern California. We’d drive to the Korean Friendship Bell, a symbol of friendship between the United States and Korea, where we could admire the stunning ocean views and reflect on our shared heritage.

Next, we’d venture to Palos Verdes, where we’d dine at a restaurant or cafe with panoramic ocean views, savoring the flavors of Korean cuisine while soaking in the serene coastal atmosphere.

The following day, we’d explore the Getty Center or Getty Villa, two world-class art museums nestled in the hills above Los Angeles. Surrounded by breathtaking architecture and tranquil gardens, we’d enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch, letting the artistic surroundings inspire and rejuvenate us.

Continuing our art-filled journey, we’d visit LACMA and the Hammer Museum, where we’d immerse ourselves in the vibrant art scene of Los Angeles. Afterward, we’d head to Korea Town for dinner, indulging in authentic Korean dishes that would transport us back to the bustling streets of Seoul.

But our adventure wouldn’t end there. We’d embark on an unforgettable road trip to Las Vegas, making a stopover at Death Valley National Park along the way. Surrounded by the vast desert landscape, we’d marvel at the otherworldly beauty of the park before continuing to the glittering lights of Las Vegas.

Finally, we’d top off our trip with a day tour of the Grand Canyon, where we’d stand in awe of one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. As we took in the majestic vistas and explored the canyon’s rim, we reflected on the beauty and wonder of our shared journey together.

Throughout our time together, I’d ensure my friend experiences a diverse array of cultural, culinary, and natural wonders, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable mentors, CSULB MFA friends, and dear friends who have played pivotal roles in shaping my artistic journey as an artist and poet. First and foremost, I owe a debt of gratitude to Professor Kwon and Jang, whose guidance and expertise in photography and conceptual art laid the foundation for my artistic endeavors. Their unwavering support and direction have been invaluable, particularly during moments of uncertainty and self-doubt.

I am also immensely grateful to my esteemed committee members, Professors Kyle, Rebecca, Bryan, and Sunook who have not only supported my idiosyncratic ideas and artworks but have also provided constructive feedback to help me grow as an artist. Their encouragement and willingness to challenge me to explore new horizons have inspired me to continually push the boundaries of my creativity.

Professor Joseph holds a special place in my heart as well, as he has been a guiding light in my exploration of contemporary art and artists. I was fortunate to have a teaching assistant during my college international summer semester. His insights and inspiration in architecture, movies, and art continue to fuel my creative journey, serving as a constant reminder of the transformative power of art.

Additionally, I want to express my deep appreciation for my alumni and mentor, Hong at CSULB Photography Lab, my MFA alumni, whose mentorship and support have been instrumental in my artistic development. His unwavering belief in my potential has empowered me to overcome obstacles and pursue my artistic aspirations with confidence and determination.

My MFA friends at CSULB have been an integral part of my journey as well. With Josh (joshzubkoff.com), we had collaborative shows and I learned a lot from solving problems and building works together. GLAMFA 2023 team, Meredith, Elise, and Bobi, gave me unforgettable teamwork experiences to sustain our tradition. Though I can’t name everyone here, my heart remembers and vividly pictures all. Our collaborative spirit and shared passion for art have created a supportive and inspiring environment for growth and exploration. Together, we have navigated the challenges and triumphs of graduate school, offering each other unwavering support, encouragement, and camaraderie along the way.

Finally, I am grateful for the friendship and support of my dear friends I can’t name all. Their unwavering support and companionship have brought immense joy and inspiration to my life, as we share not only a love for art but also precious moments of laughter, reflection, and camaraderie.

To all of my mentors, MFA friends, and dear friends—thank you for believing in me, guiding me, and nurturing my artistic vision. Your presence in my life has enriched my journey in countless ways, broadening my horizons and deepening my appreciation for the power of human connection. Your influence has left an indelible mark on my journey, and I am forever grateful for your support and friendship.

Website: www.binyoun.com

Instagram: o.binyoun.o

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/binyoun/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bin.youn

Other: www.linktr.ee/binyoun

Image Credits
Courtesy of the Artist