Jiho Choi
The exploration of nostalgia through portraiture has always been an interest for me in creating art. Undertaking the IB allowed me to both perpetuate this theme and develop breadth and ambition in my pieces. My more explicit examinations of nostalgia have been through paintings of childhood photos, the subjects primarily being my siblings. In my broader investigations, I attempt to evoke childlike qualities such as inquisitiveness and wonder in observation. While the references I choose tend to be very personal, I aim to allow the viewer to resonate with comforting themes, particularly with the whimsical nature and curiosity of childhood.
By utilising oil paint as my central medium, the use of colour has become a significant technical focus in my work. I have been able to mirror thematic qualities in my subject matter through a curated palette: using a cohesive colour scheme enables me to direct the mood of my paintings, becoming more playful or contemplative. Conversely, the intricate variations of colour in skin tone was a detail I emphasised in my portraits, by exaggerating the vibrancy of light and shadow to create complexity. My personal growth in adopting challenges is particularly evident in increase of scale. By loosening my prior restraint on technique and minimising fear of mistakes, I have allowed myself to create much bigger works with distinct impact.
My experience of IB Art has allowed me to grow in confidence and take greater risks, largely due to the support of my teachers and friends. The encouraging and welcoming environment of the Art department will be one of the defining memories of my time at Sevenoaks.