BIO

Shinwoo Song is an interdisciplinary artist who worked in computer graphics, which cultivated this broader understanding of digital media, kept his primary interest in abstract painting and ceramics alive, and gained a general skill for visual effect techniques, 3D modeling, and photography. His works also include installation and performance art, which have expressed, in a way, getting him to an aspect of the inward related to unconsciousness. He studies how to pull out his emotional sources of nostalgia, freedom, happiness, comfort, identity, rage, desire, and excitement from unconsciousness. He received a BFA in studio art from SMU in 2022 and is currently a candidate for an MFA at SMU in 2025.

Artist Statement

From my early abstract painting experiences to my current artistic endeavors, my work is an ongoing inquiry into the complex interplay between the visible and the invisible, the conscious and the unconscious. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, I was introduced to various forms of traditional arts, which fostered an early appreciation for the layers of meaning behind everyday forms and practices. This background is the backbone of my artistic philosophy, pushing me to explore beyond the surface of materials and into the depths of personal and collective consciousness.

My art reflects my personal journey and cultural heritage and engages with universal themes of identity, memory, and transformation. It challenges viewers to confront their perceptions and consider the unseen forces influencing their lives. This process of discovery and reflection is central to my work, as art has the power to transform, heal, and reveal the hidden depths of our existence.

Furthermore, it is fundamentally about uncovering and articulating the unseen forces that shape our perceptions and experiences. I engage with various materials, each chosen for its ability to convey complex narratives and evoke deep emotional responses. Through my work, I seek to create a dialogue between the artwork and the viewer, encouraging an active engagement beyond passive observation.

By integrating conceptual depth with physical creation, my art becomes a medium for viewers to explore their unseen worlds. I try to show reality in ways that make people think and challenge their inward perceptions, making the familiar and cliche seem strange and new—encouraging viewers to question what they already know about the real world.