Song sets paper free from its function of yesteryear, a collateral function to carry a large body of information. Paper is not a means but an end per se. The process by which material becomes a work of art is predicated upon the “autonomy” contemporary art has molded.

A work of art usually implies something as it is an outgrowth of some expression. We may well try to define a work of art by its content and meaning. By doing this, a work of art serves as a device to convey meaning. Song stays away from any concept in order to showcase the true nature of paper things.

Any “pure self-purpose” may be impossible because form and content are inextricably linked. However, he secures freedom of paper things while constantly resisting against and keeping his distance from any concept.

The artist(서양화가 송광익,송광익 작가,송광익 화백,한지작가 송광익,한지추상화가 송광익,KOREA PAPER,宋光翼,지물(紙物),SONG KWANG IK,ARTIST SONG KWANG IK,ソン・グァンイック) accomplishes this by “keeping himself relaxed.” With the freedom of paper secured numerous things can come into being, which entertains him. The pure pleasure he felt as a child when tearing, folding, or gluing paper filters into his work.

△By Ha Yun-ju(Art Critic)/하윤주, 미술평론가