1xRun Thru Interview
Bang Bang by Mimi Yoon
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this original, when was it created and with what materials?
Mimi Yoon: The original was created with acrylic and rhinestones on linen. It was completed in August of 2012. It’s sexy, raw, glamourous, tough, dirty, playful, mean, innocent, tangible and intangible all at once.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Mimi Yoon: I started to paint BANG BANG for a group show Vexed: Tits, Tatts & Turmoil, hence the elements in the painting. Originally the Japanese text in the background read “vexed”, but due to lack of time, I was not able to finish the painting in time for the show and decided to change it to “BANG BANG” which I felt fit the mood of the piece better. Each element in the painting represent some of the things, situations, and emotions that directly and indirectly affect us in our daily lives.
1xRun: How long did the piece take?
Mimi Yoon: I did not work continuously on the piece because I was working on several paintings at the time, so it’s hard to say how long the piece actually took. But i started in 7/2012 and finished it in 8/2012.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Mimi Yoon: It has familiar elements juxtaposed to allure visually and connect metaphorically. and hand embellished rhinestones!!! : )
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Mimi Yoon: It’s sexy, meaningful and very pleasing to look at.
1xRun: Describe this print in one gut reaction word.
Mimi Yoon: HOT!
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Mimi Yoon: I don’t remember when i actually started to make art…but painting for shows and galleries, I started just a couple of years ago. I have a BFA in graphic design, so even before I started to actually paint, I’ve always been creating but in different medium. My first pieces way back then were stick figures. My first piece I did when I decided that I’m going to start doing art for myself was a self portrait in pastel on newsprint.
I Can See You by Mimi Yoon
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Mimi Yoon: I honestly can’t name any particular artists who inspired me early on. Just about any and all art inspired me, from scribbles on walls to masterpieces. And now days many artists inspire me, but to name a few… Egon Schiele, Ashley Wood, David Choe, Nathan Ota, Glenn Barr, and Kevin Peterson.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Mimi Yoon: Always. No specific genre, but ones that’d take me to places where I’d feel I’m all alone in a vast space.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?
Mimi Yoon: If I could collaborate with any living artist, it’d be with David Choe. I truly believe he is a living legend. Aside his passion for certain things, I admire his spontaneity, freedom, and his unbelievable talent reflected in art he creates, embraces, and lives. It’s a dreamy thought but I think I can tap into his creative mind and catch a glimpse of it at work if I were to create with him.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Mimi Yoon: Egon Schiele just because he is my favorite artist of all time.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? What was the last piece of art that you bought?
Mimi Yoon: The first original painting I bought was a small piece by a young artist named, Yevgenia Mikhailik, and yes, I still do have it and will always cherish it. The last piece of art I bought was a small framed painting from Glenn Barr. He painted a set of two about 3 inches tall pieces for the show I curated in may 2012. I bought one and Nathan Ota bought the other.
1xRun: What else do you have in the works?
Mimi Yoon: I’m currently working to put together another group show opening on March 9, 2o13 at South Bay Mini Cooper’s brand new showroom before their opening for the public. Some of the confirmed artists are Nathan Ota, Bob Dob, Nathan Ota and RISK Collaboration, Kevin Peterson, Cecil Kim, Fatoe, Aaron Woes Martin (Angry Wobots), myself, and more. For this show South Bay Mini’s donating a brand new Mini and I am donating my art on that Mini. Once I’m done painting on the car, we will auction the car and donate the proceeds to Children Hospital Los Angeles. I’m also working on a very attractive and affordable small Mimi Yoon art book project and a wearable art t-shirt project which I plan to launch very soon through soldsie on Facebook.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Mimi Yoon: Website – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter –
-1xRUN