Meet Paul Jung. An NYC based photographer and director whose visually impactful work has unsurprisingly captured the attention of the fashion industry. Still in the early part of his career, Jung has already defined his own visual language using film and photography to explore new territory within the minimalist aesthetic. Just one look at his feed on Tumblr or Instagram and you can immediately understand his visual syntax that brings together ultra stylised, ethereal beauties that create intrigue through layers of subtle unexpectedness and transgression.

For this edition of The Curators I sat with Paul to discuss how cities, people and places inspire his interpretation of minimalism. And for those of you as inspired by this work as I am, he has thoughtfully curated a guide to New York City’s brands, products, places and spaces that inspire his special style of minimalism.

MB – I consider your work to be very single minded and you’ve built a very distinct and directional style so early on in your career. Who were your early references and inspirations that make you the photographer you are today?

PJ – All the usual vocabulary of people that I thought I had to look up to, the big names of fashion photography. Though as I continued my work and research, I realised what really interested me were the little moments and experiences in life. These memories would then become my main inspiration.

Cinema is also very interesting as there are these fleeting moments in between scenes that would resonate with me. I add these to my mental archive for my work.

MB – You’ve lived in cities all over the world. Do you think your style has evolved based on your surroundings?

PJ – What’s interesting is that I’ve lived more in places where there is extreme clutter, disorder and chaos. Those cities actually help push me into the search for a world, which is structured, clean and sterile. It’s the contrasting environment that really makes something stand out.

MB – How has living in NYC influenced your work?

PJ – New York really is the right place at the right time for me. Though the actual environment isn’t particularly stimulating per se, it’s just conducive to producing a lot of work and keeping up the pace. The contrast of this city, together with the memories of previously visited cities helps me dream more.

MB – Your career has really taken off since you started working in NYC. What helped launch your career in the fashion world?

PJ – Being around a lot of influential and supportive people at SVA was extremely helpful. Towards the end, working with the Parson’s MFA graduate students, who were producing some of the most avant-garde work in NY, gave me inspiration to produce something new, and helped me define the kind of world in which I’d like to work within fashion.

The designers Jia Hua, Alison Tsai, Lin Hai and Melitta Baumeister from Parsons brought with them concepts and thoughts in fashion that were new and refreshing.

MB ”“ What’s inspiring you right now?

PJ – Winter in Australia

MB – What’s next for Paul Jung?

PJ – Expanding the fabricated world of cinema.

 

 

PAUL JUNG’S GUIDE TO MINIMALISM IN NYC

USE: KUNST K

A great friend of mine launched Kunst K last year, using a truly minimalist approach to skin care. I collaborate occasionally with the campaigns.

http://minimalissimo.com/2014/02/kunst-k/

 

WEAR: MELITTA BAUMEISTER

My creative partner. I take part in building the imagery and world of Baumeister. Available this summer at Dover Street Market.

http://melittabaumeister.com/

 

VIST: DONALD JUDD HOME + STUDIO

In the middle of the SoHo madness lays a sanctuary and temple of minimalism inspiration, the studio and home of the late Donald Judd. Available by appointment only.

http://www.juddfoundation.org/visit_ny

101 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 219-2747

 

VISIT: WALTER DE MARIA, THE NEW YORK EARTH ROOM

Well-preserved earth from 1977, sitting quietly in the middle of SoHo. Again, a great place for contemplation.

http://www.diaart.org/sites/main/earthroom

141 Wooster Street,
New York NY 10012

 

WEAR: JIL SANDER

More crisp and inspiring than even Dior Homme’s shop. Jil Sander in SoHo takes my breath away each time.

http://www.jilsander.com/

30 Howard St, New York, NY 10013
(212) 925-2345

 

VISIT: FDR FOUR FREEDOMS PARK

Designed by the great Louis Kahn and is perhaps the most underrated tourist attraction of all NYC. Take the gondola there to get a spectacular view of the east side Manhattan.

http://www.fdrfourfreedomspark.org/

1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, New York, NY 10044
(212) 204-8831

 

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