Between Realism and Reflection: A Conversation with Contemporary Artist Baek
- Selfless Art Gallery
- May 6
- 5 min read
In the contemporary art world, often saturated with spectacle and overstimulation, the quiet realism of Baek offers a much-needed pause—a moment of stillness that invites viewers to slow down and reflect. As a rising voice in contemporary realist painting, Baek brings a distinctive perspective shaped by a background in architecture, resulting in compositions that are both structurally grounded and emotionally evocative.
Baek’s work captures fleeting moments of solitude, subtle shifts of light, and the quiet presence of humanity within both urban and natural environments. In this exclusive artist interview, we delve into Baek’s creative process, artistic philosophy, and the emotional resonance behind their serene, contemplative scenes. Through this dialogue, we gain insight into how Baek translates memory, mood, and architectural sensibility into visual poetry—offering not just images, but meditative experiences.
Left to Right (Top to Bottom): Boredom, 20cmx20cm, oil on panel | Reading,20x20cm oil on panel
Q: Let’s start off with a fun icebreaker: If your art were made into a movie, what would it be called, and what story would it tell?
A: The series I’ve been working on recently portrays the diverse aspects of modern individuals. If this series were to be made into a film, I believe the title “So many men, So many minds.” would be fitting. It could take the form of an omnibus narrative, weaving together the stories of people living with their own thoughts and emotions, intersecting and entangling within a shared space. Characters, each with their unique stories, might pass by indifferently or encounter one another by chance—scenes that align closely with the tone of my work.
Q: Before we dive deeper, can you share a little about your journey as an artist and how you found your way to painting realism?
A: As a child, I vaguely dreamed of becoming a painter but studied architecture for practical reasons and worked in design for nearly a decade. Even then, I enjoyed observing people, spaces, and nature. Eventually, I began sketching by hand to better understand what I saw, forming a habit of visual recording. A turning point came during my 2023 honeymoon in Iceland. Faced with untouched landscapes, I felt compelled to recompose them through painting, which reignited my path toward art. Realistic painting wasn’t a deliberate choice but a result of my architectural training and attention to detail. Still, I focus more on mood and atmosphere than meticulous precision—striking a balance between realism and minimalism.
Q: Can you walk us through your process, from the moment inspiration strikes to the final brushstroke?
A: I draw a great deal of inspiration from fleeting emotional moments in daily life. Even in familiar streets, parks, or among crowds, there are times when a particular combination of light, air, and mood strikes me as unexpectedly special. The same scene can feel entirely different depending on the weather, the sunlight, or my emotional state. Traveling to new places also provides fresh stimuli.
To capture those moments, I take quick sketches or multiple photographs. Later, I experiment with compositions on my iPad or sketchbook before starting an oil painting. Since I never received formal academic training in painting, it’s difficult to define a fixed method. I originally focused on watercolor, but my desire to express more nuanced colors led me to teach myself oil painting. I constantly study books and online resources and continue exploring high-quality materials and techniques. Like many artists, deciding when a work is truly finished always feels like an unresolved question.
Q: Your work often captures quiet, everyday scenes that seem to hold deeper emotional layers. What draws you to these kinds of moments?
A: My paintings rarely feature famous landmarks or celebrities. Instead, they often depict ordinary scenes that anyone might pass by without noticing. I believe this inclination stems from my childhood.
I grew up in an apartment on a hill that overlooked the neighborhood. I would often spend hours leaning on the balcony at the end of the corridor, watching people and cars come and go, and observing the sunset tracing the ridge of a distant mountain. While other children watched TV or cartoons, I would quietly observe the scenery and try to hold onto the emotions and atmosphere of the moment as long as possible. In hindsight, those habits have carried into the way I work today. Rather than depicting exactly what I see, I prefer to leave parts of the image intentionally vague—inviting viewers to project their own feelings onto the scene. I’m naturally drawn to quiet moments that hold emotional depth and subtle layers.
Left to Right ( Top to Bottom) : Waiting, 20x20cm, Oil on panel |Skylight, 20x20cm, Oil on panel
Q: Solitude and stillness often seem to play important roles in your work. Are these themes you consciously explore, or do they emerge naturally from your process?
A: This question prompted me to take another careful look at my paintings. Although I didn’t set out to consciously explore the theme of solitude, I now realize that much of my work indeed carries that sentiment.
Thinking more about why that is, I’m reminded of the philosopher Nietzsche, whose writings I encountered during my adolescence. One quote in particular has stayed with me:“O solitary man, you flee the community not because you do not love, but because you love too much.” That sentence left a deep impression on me and has shaped how I understand solitude—not as a sense of disconnection, but as a longing for deeper connection. If viewers can sense that kind of solitude in my work, I would feel that my intent has been fulfilled. I hope, however, that this solitude is conveyed not as cold or isolating, but as a warm and reflective emotional state.
Q: How do you balance realism with emotional resonance in your work? Are there times when you prioritize mood over exact representation?
A: When I paint, I prioritize mood and emotion over exact replication. Most of my work begins with photos I’ve taken myself, which serve as references for building the overall composition and sketches. In the process of reassembling the scene, I often modify or emphasize certain elements based on my emotional intent rather than sticking rigidly to reality. Sometimes I deliberately blur details, leaving space for the viewer’s own emotional projection. Through that kind of “openness,” I hope the painting becomes not just a visual object, but a medium for emotional exchange.
Q: Looking ahead, are there new subjects, themes, or approaches you’re excited to explore in your future work? A: As an artist, I always feel like I’m in a continuous state of becoming. Rather than settling into a fixed method, I want to keep evolving—absorbing new experiences and growing through them. There’s still so much in the world that I haven’t learned or seen. While I’ll continue drawing inspiration from nature and everyday life, I imagine my modes of expression will gradually expand. More specifically, I hope to someday explore the imaginative potential of interior spaces—a realm I’ve long engaged with through architectural design. I’d like to freely construct spaces in my paintings that can’t be realized in the real world due to structural, legal, or financial limitations, and place within them various imagined scenes and emotions. I look forward to creating new narratives at the boundary between imagination and reality.
Baek’s minimalistic work invites viewers into a contemplative realm where quiet moments and everyday encounters are transformed into meditative, emotionally charged experiences. With a refined balance of architectural precision and atmospheric softness, Baek’s paintings evoke a sense of stillness that lingers. Each composition feels intentional yet open, offering space for reflection and interpretation. As their artistic journey unfolds, one thing remains clear: in Baek’s world, even the quietest scenes carry profound emotional weight, proving that stillness can speak volumes.
To see more of Baek's incredible work and stay updated on their latest projects, be sure to follow them on Instagram!
Comments