Mina Kwon Says…Hmmm…

If you’re not into the Asian modern art scene, then you might be wondering, “Who is Mina Kwon?!”

She has many titles under her belt – a hip-hop illustrator, an artist and a “professional doodler” (in her own words!).

I knew of her thanks to Pharrell Williams; she flew in from Seoul, Korea (her hometown and where she lives) as the appointed on-site artist at BLOHK Party (chosen especially by Pharell himself!), where she sprayed art on t-shirts at the Marc by Marc Jacobs tent.

Something interesting I discovered during my research before our meeting – there’s a rumour that she’s the sister of G-Dragon (see pictures below)! Well, I’m afraid that myth is busted here: http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/41077/20130911/yg-mina-kwon-is-not-gdragon-sister.htm

However, it’s obvious to see that both she and her work are adored by many celebrities, not only in Korea but across the world.

I have only been to Seoul once, yet I developed a deep fondness of the place, mainly due to its design and art sphere. Korean artists, fashion designers and graphic designers are so talented and modest. The place is definitely leading the way for creativity in Asia, and is on the up in the art scene globally as well.

Anyway, here’s my chat with Mina Kwon; you can also follow her on Instagram here: http://instagram.com/uknowminakwon

Above, one of Mina’s work.

Elle – E, Mina – M.

E: What three words would you use to best describe yourself?

M: Cool… fresh… and “other” lol

E: Have you always wanted to become an artist? And if not, what was your childhood dream?

M: Yeah definitely… this is my favourite thing. I really love creating new stuff.

E: Was there any one person or thing that triggered your interest in becoming an artist?

M: I don’t know; I’ve just loved drawing and stuff since I was a lil’ kid!

E: Who is your favourite artist at the moment and what’s your favourite artwork of theirs?

M: Hmmm… besides Pharrell lol?! I love Keith Haring; I love his Andy Warhol drawing.

(Keith Haring art image source: Coca Cola Art Gallery.)

E: Why do you think people like your artwork?

M: Hmm… because it’s funny?!

E: How did you meet Pharrell and how did your collaboration come about?

M: Hmmm… I’ve actually been a fan of his since I was in high school, and I always wanted to work for or with him. Then one day, maybe three years ago now, his manager sent me an email – I was so shocked lol! When I visited LA, I met him for the first time in his studio… it was just amazing.

E: What three words would you use to best describe Pharrell?

M: Motivation, inspiration, hero lol

E: Can you tell us more about the collaboration between you, Pharrell and Marc by Marc Jacobs for BLOHK Party?

M: I did airbrush tees, and I just wanted to make tees artistic. I was so honoured to be part of this event!

E: Do you have any big projects coming up that you can tell us more about?

M: I’m working on a lotta dope projects now… you guys will see soon lol!

Photos I took at BLOHK 2013 (see below):

(Above) Mina, working at the Marc by Marc Jacobs booth.

Tags: 2013, art, artist, BLOHK, Interview, K-POP, marc by marc jacobs, Mina Kwon, music, Pharrell Williams, 專訪, 藝術家, 韓國, 韓流, 音樂, 香港