RUS x Yoongeun Shin

Yoongeun Shin, the Korean photographer behind this collaboration, weaves emotionally resonant visuals. His creative inspiration draws from the realms of still life paintings and RUS universe, deftly harmonizing color, texture, and composition to craft a one-of-a-kind, vivid, and poetic atmosphere.

Photographed by Yoongeun Shin

Where’s home for you?
To me, home is where I stay with my lover Suhyeon. Actually, she is my home.

What led you to start working with photography?
Becoming a photographer was unexpected. I majored in urban planning and learned woodworking, but I was always looking for a job which allowed traveling, and those two professions do not meet that condition. After I was discharged from the military, I bought a camera to open up the possibility of becoming a photographer. While taking pictures as a hobby, I happened to work with Suhyeon. As I completed one project after another, I wanted to take better pictures. I felt like photography would be something that would be with me for the rest of my life, and I eventually decided to become a freelance photographer.

Does the concept of self-reflection play a role in your creative process?
Very important. My work is absolutely influenced by my psychological state, unconsciousness and interests. So, I always see and explore a lot of things to develop the unconscious and aesthetics.

What’s your inspiration for this collaboration?

RUS’ colors. RUS inspires me a lot. When I see your images, I feel the love and energy. That brings a fresh air. That fresh air gives me inspiration to work on, and if I had to describe this feeling in one word, it would be ‘Muse.’

How would you describe RUS universe in three words?

A warm liberation.

Planification or improvisation?
As I continue taking pictures, preference of improvisation increases. I usually express what I am attracted to in images. There are materials, compositions, and angles of view that I use often, but all work is done intuitively. Images evolve through numerous processes and variables. The most important thing is to accept that anything can happen and not assume that my work has to be like this or that. I am open to all variables when I work.

What musical artist/album/song are you currently listening to on repeat?

Recently, I saw an exhibition of Issy Wood's paintings and fell in love with her music. Her music sounds very scary and bizarre to me, but the gloom actually gives me a sense of liberation and fresh inspiration. I know it may sound strange. Haha.

Do you find useful following a routine or do you prefer to follow your emotional impulses?

Both are important, but routine is key to me. However, if you focus on maintaining a routine, there is a risk that your radius will become smaller. It's important to recognize that there are blind spots that you don't see, and to occasionally break the routine and explore those blind spots.

Name three artists/creatives that inspire you. Why?

I am huge fan of Lauren Bamford and Stephanie Stamatis. It makes me so happy to see the harmony of materials and color combinations they choose. When I look at their images, I feel healed.

Recently, I’ve become obsessed with Elizaveta Porodina. I am learning a lot from her images. We see a new history of photography in her images. Her images reflect the era. Like her, I want to continue to create images that are ahead of the times.

We believe that even our clothing and appearance can reflect our inner emotions, desires, and moods. How does this idea resonate with your personal style/work?

I felt warmth and freedom while looking at RUS's clothes.

I felt the warmth that came from the soft touch, and I felt freedom from the various colors. They sparked creative energy in me.

I want to become a warm and free person like RUS's clothes.

CollaborationsPatricia Gutierrez Monllor20 October 2023Collaboration, photography, Artist, Yoongeun Shin, Raw Edges, Set Design, Musings