Haejin Yoo on Art, Identity, and the Power of Perseverance

Haejin Yoo is a self-taught artist whose surreal paintings dive deep into the emotions and identities we often hide from the world. Born in Seoul and raised in Australia, Haejin’s path to becoming an artist wasn’t easy—she had to put her passion on hold for many years. But with the support of her husband, she found the courage to accept art as her calling entirely.

In this interview, Haejin shares the personal stories behind her work, including the “Woman in the Bath” series, which reflects the quiet, private moments where we’re most ourselves. She talks about her struggles with imposter syndrome, how she’s learned to stay true to herself, and her challenges as a self-taught artist. Haejin also opens up about her recent successes, like being chosen to showcase her work at The Other Art Fair in London and how those milestones have boosted her confidence.

Haejin Yoo, a self-taught acrylic artist born in Seoul, South Korea, grew up in Australia, creating surrealistic expressionist art to evoke past and present emotions. In her artistic exploration, Haejin extends beyond the canvas, integrating mixed media such as acrylics, textiles, carpentry, and spray paint. She intends to breathe life into the image, surpassing the constraints of a flat surface. Whether painting onto the frame itself or infusing various materials, each element contributes to the illusion of her surreal expressions. Haejin’s artistic passion was discovered at a young age but was suppressed until her late twenties. Following an early career in the sciences has allowed Haejin to apply her skills toward a greater understanding of acrylics and other artistic mediums.

She now lives in Sydney, Australia, but has exhibited her work across Europe and the USA. Haejin’s achievements include winning 2nd prize of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize: RAYMAR Traditional Art Award, being chosen as one of Saatchi Art’s Rising Stars for 2024, being the HUG100 artists to watch in 2024, a Finalist for the Boyne’s Artist Award 10th Edition in 2024, winning the Merit Prize Award from Teravarna’s International Juried Art Competition (2023), the Artist Expert Award (2022) presented by renowned art critic, Prof. Vittorio Sgarbi., and the First Prize Abstract Award at FIRA International Art Fair Barcelona 2022. Notably, ‘Woman in the Bath III’ was selected as the main artwork to promote The Other Art Fair London 2024, displayed on exhibition collateral and an oversized 3+ meter banner in the heart of London.

Haejin Yoo is the cover artist for our Arts to Hearts Magazine Issue 6 and is recognized by the Women in Arts Network as a portfolio partner. Women in Arts Network is a proud portfolio partner of the Arts to Hearts Project’s books and magazines.

1. How would you describe your art style, and what inspired you to become an artist?

I’d describe my style as surrealistic and melancholic. Becoming an artist wasn’t a choice but my fate from birth. Art was simply part of me from a young age, a natural way of expressing myself. Growing up, I couldn’t fully live out my passion due to life circumstances, but meeting my husband changed everything. His unwavering belief in me finally allowed me to embrace my path as an artist.

My inspiration comes from our modern idea of persona, shaped by our social lives as we grow older.

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2. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

“Woman in the Bath III” is unique in my heart. It’s the first piece in the “Woman in the Bath” series, which marked a turning point in my journey. This painting is a surreal self-portrait, capturing the essence of everything that led me to this series. Although colorful and beautiful, it holds an underlying sense of weariness and vulnerability—a need to shed layers and heal. These emotions reflect years of carrying the weight of depression and self-doubt. Outwardly, I often projected a vibrant, positive persona, but privately, I struggled with a sense of failure and exhaustion. This piece acknowledges those struggles and is a testament to my resilience and healing.

3. Describe a memorable experience or project that significantly impacted your career.

Two experiences come to mind. The first was being chosen as the banner artist for The Other Art Fair in London in March 2024. Mine was selected out of thousands of possible artworks, and it felt surreal. I was so stunned that I didn’t tell anyone until I saw it with my own eyes. The second was winning 2nd prize in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s RAYMAR Traditional Art Award. This recognition felt like a sign from the universe, urging me to keep going. It’s pushed me to explore new mediums, transitioning from acrylic to oil painting, which I enjoy. Both of these milestones gave me a newfound sense of purpose and confidence.

4. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?

The path of an artist is full of challenges, and one of the hardest is navigating uncertainty. However, the challenge I want to highlight is my struggle with imposter syndrome. The more recognition I receive, the more I feel unworthy of it. Each painting takes me up to 400 hours, yet I still focus on flaws and compare my work to other talented artists. As a self-taught artist, there’s a constant feeling of inadequacy. However, I’m actively working on this, and in April 2025, I’ll be attending an art workshop in Spain called Quarantine as part of the prize from Beautiful Bizarre Magazine. I hope this experience will help me gain new skills and overcome these insecurities.

My goal is to give viewers a sigh of relief, letting them connect with the genuine moments of private thoughts—a journey into our identities.

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5. What advice would you give to the aspiring artists?

Create for yourself, not for others. I learned this lesson later in my career, but it’s crucial. Being an artist is a long and often challenging journey, and if you’re not creating from a place of joy and fulfillment, it can affect your mental health. You have to keep going, no matter what. My mantra is, “Don’t let your emotions become your actions.” Feeling sad or frustrated is okay, but don’t put down your brushes. Persevere, and let your art be your anchor.

Haejin Yoo’s art is a powerful exploration of the emotions and identities we often keep hidden from the world. Her surrealistic paintings, particularly the Woman in the Bath series, delve into the quiet, vulnerable moments where we find our most authentic selves. Drawing from her struggles with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, Haejin’s work is not just a reflection of her journey but an invitation for others to connect with their inner worlds. To learn more about Haejin Yoo, visit the links below.