DOING A KANG-TYPE THANG
MCM is ushering in the Year of the Dog with cheerful handbags that flaunt the bubbly works of Seoul-based Korean artist Eddie Kang. Recognised and celebrated for his cute, contemporary and graphic aesthetics, his signature dog cartoon character, called Loveless, moves from paintings, installations and sculptures to the German leather house’s limited-edition capsule collection of monogram shopper bags and totes.
Also featured is Kang’s most enduring Happy Cell print, which was inspired by “those circular cells that spread onto your skin that you see in cosmetic commercials”, as the 38-year-old artist puts it. The rainbow-colourful array is sure to spread a smile to your face. With previous shows in Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei, New York and Venice; and clients ranging from LG to department stores, Kang has also designed the “MCM x Eddie Kang” installation currently on display at Siam Paragon until Wednesday. Pop by for a neon-injected structures, big smiley dogs and snap-worthy, pop-fun backdrops. In a chat with Life, Kang shares how his comically frowning dog came to be.
How did your interest in art begin?
I grew up under a painter mother so I’ve been exposed to art and a creative atmosphere ever since I was very young. My mother always took me to her studio and instead of teaching me draw lines and stuff, she gave me a blank piece of paper and lots of things to draw with, pencils and crayons, and she just let me play around with it. I started doodling my toys and house pets and that’s actually where it all started. Interestingly, I still do what I used to do as a child. Most of my characters originated from my childhood. I then began to develop them into more defined characters during my high school years in the US.
Who are some of your favorite contemporary artists?
Besides my own mother, the ones I idolised the most include Cy Twombly, an abstract painter, which is completely the opposite of what I do. He uses a lot of lines and colours instead of direct shapes. Howard Hodgkin, also for his similar style to Twombly. Besides artists that are dealing with shapes and figures, I love Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara. I like how he brings his life directly into his works— very emotional paintings. Among Korean artists, I like installation artist Do-ho Suh. He’s renowned over the world. I like how he makes his own narratives using installations.
How did this collaboration with MCM happen? After my exhibition in New York in 2016, my agent contacted me that MCM was interested in doing a collaboration using some of my patterns and characters. I thought it was a very good chance to approach audiences of different kinds — not those [usual] audiences who come to gallery shows and are used to gallery or museum shows. A lot of people don’t really go to museums, nor are they accustomed to going to galleries. Art should be open, but some of the galleries have this closed vibe — not purposely — but the shape of it, with closed doors. It’s a very intimidating kind of mood, so not as many people go to the gallery, compared to department stores or select shops.
How did this dog character of yours come about? The character I designed for MCM is relatively new compared to some of my other characters because I’ve been doing this since high school. My character Loveless is inspired by my own house pet. He was abandoned and came to my house. He was badly abused and he had a stroke because of that. We had to get him surgically repaired; he was a little Maltese just like the character. The vets told me he would only last 3-4 months, even after surgery, but he miraculously lasted four more years. Then I started drawing and painting him directly into my paintings.
Do you miss your dog, after having done this project?
I always miss him. There’s a lot of memories, but he’s in a good place now, rest in peace. Before he passed away I mostly painted him angry, because he was so badly abused. Maltese dogs are usually so sweet, approachable and they always love people. But my dog was always angry, grumpy and didn’t like to be touched, so I always painted him with angry eyebrows. After he’d gone, I tried to portray him with happier expressions.
How can artists make their characters stand out these days when there are so many in the market? It’s quite tough to differentiate when it comes to the figures, shapes or characters. I wouldn’t force myself to differentiate from other characters though. I’m sure other characters have their own origins and are inspired by their own personal backgrounds so I would tell how it has its narratives and how it’s a little bit different. My character is very personal and from my own story. That way, I may be able to approach audiences a little bit differently.
Visit the MCM x Eddie Kang installation at Siam Paragon until Feb 14. The MCM x Eddie Kang capsule collection is available at MCM, Central Embassy.