D La Her is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '24

D La Her is a Paris-based South Korean artist. She studied fine art at École des beaux-arts and holds a BFA and an MBA from Rennes and Paris. She started her art project in 2022 and is currently an artist-in-residence at Tangent Projects in Barcelona and will join 59 Rivoli in Paris in 2024. Her early years and ongoing nomad lifestyle has influenced her artistic approach revolving around the fluidity of identity and memory.

Her realistic yet dreamlike paintings are openly inspired by post-impressionism, American realism, cinema, as well as twentieth-century French philosophy and relational aesthetics. Her artistic approach lies in the subtle interaction that arises between the artist, its creation and the viewer, rather than the surface of the work itself. The limits set by painting, particularly figurative painting, are often tangible and dense. Therefore she seeks to distort and blur these boundaries by establishing a gray zone between her work and the viewer, a meeting place between the latter and herself.

By intentionally removing bodies in her paintings, and particularly faces as the strongest matrix of the sense of identity, she frees herself from the framework of her personal memories and opens the door to the spectator’s memories at the very moment when this limit is exceeded. Each protagonist’s identity becomes more fluid, detached from any limits associated with appearance. In this context, viewers’ experiences with the painting based on their memories filling the void are more meaningful than her own expression.

Her inspirations come from a life of multiculturalism and multidisciplinarity. Her works do not set any limits: the blank faces of the characters are addressed to everyone, regardless of origin, color, or gender. It is an empty field for reflection, of encounter with others and oneself... to finally fully grasp one's presence.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How would you describe your artistic style and what inspires your work?

Realistic but dreamlike, notably inspired by post-impressionism, the aesthetics of American realism and the seventh art.

When presence becomes memories interests me. Especially moments with family and friends as these moments are usually more special. We take pictures wishing that they would last for a long time. Then they become dreamy memories with a touch of nostalgia. These intimate yet distant feelings, stuck between memories and the present, are central to my work.

Could you share a memorable anecdote or story from your artistic journey that has had a lasting impact on you?

I went to high school specializing in cinematography and one day I discovered Andy Warhol in the library. It completely changed my perspective and influenced me to study fine art. This was sudden yet impactful. The way he played with and absorbed consumerism and industry codes in his artistic vision was a game-changer for a 16-year-old girl who had just discovered the contemporary art world.

What emotions or messages do you hope to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?

There are none in particular I would say. Emotions and messages that each person feels based on their own memories are more meaningful to me than my expression. The interaction created with people’s memories is more artistic than the work itself.

Can you talk about a specific piece or series that holds a special significance to you?

I can talk about ‘Rue de la République’, a large format painting with ‘Joyeux Anniversaire’ (‘Happy Birthday’ in French) balloons in the background. This painting is inspired by the end of a birthday party in my apartment/studio. This has a special significance for me because everyone has a birthday and it kind of allows me to celebrate everyone’ birthday.

What does it aim to touch on?

I wish my work to address everyone without distinction. One of the reasons I worked on a faceless series is that I do not want to limit my work to a specific ethnicity, gender, or impose skin color and faces of people I know. Everybody deserves a space to grasp their own presence and celebrate life.

Can you describe your creative process and the themes or concepts that drive your work?

For me, art lies in the subtle interaction that arises between the artist, her creation and the viewer, rather than the surface of the work itself.

The limits set by painting, particularly figurative painting, are often tangible and dense. So I seek to distort and blur these boundaries by establishing a gray zone between my work and the viewer, a meeting place between the latter and myself.

In my paintings, moments pass and faces disappear. These blank faces belong to the viewers and are reconstructed in their minds with their own memories. This takes an important part in my creative process. These empty spaces become an empty field of reflection, of encounter with others and oneself, to finally discover ourselves.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your artistic practice?

I don’t need to be especially motivated and inspired as it became a great part of me and my life. A bit like we don’t necessarily need motivation to breathe. The world and people inspire me in a very natural way.

How do you balance your artistic career with the business aspect of being an artist?

I studied both fine art and business. Some aspects of business can be very fascinating for me, especially when it matches perfectly with artistic ideas such as what Andy Warhol did for example. However, many artists fail and art schools do not talk enough about the business side of being an artist. Most students have to find a second bullshit job after graduation. It is time-consuming and they eventually give up a career in fine art. It is a serious problem and honestly I have not found how to balance it yet.

How do you see the role of contemporary art in today's society, and how do you see your work contributing to this?

I don’t think one is capable of defining the role of contemporary art from a particular angle. Contemporary art is eclectic, diverse and dynamic with much room for personal expression. Every artist works with different aims given the wide variety of mediums and methods. And this is also certainly the charm and role of contemporary art: to inspire people and be inspired by people in all possible ways. As I am inspired by people and the world, I would be thrilled if my work contributes to this cycle and if my artistic approach can inspire some people too.

Anything else you would like to add?

Celebrate your life and embrace your presence in all its forms.

See more of D La Her’s work

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