This is a piece I wrote in collaboration with Urban Dwellers Magazine and Syndicated Clothing. Shout out to them for making this one possible. You can find the audio version at the end of the article.
Since the Neolithic Age, clothing has been a form of expression and a representation of the person wearing it. Clothing has been used as a symbol of status, a representation of mood, and a display of culture. The same can be said about art. Edvard Munch painted “The Scream” to express a feeling. Vincent Van Gogh’s “Potato eaters” embodied a specific class, and Justin Bua’s “Guitarista” reflected a culture.
Clothing and art have always gone hand in hand and this is most apparent at Syndicated Clothing. Syndicated is a boutique style store that specializes in the art of urban expression. Carrying brands such as Crooks & Castles, 10 Deep, and The Hundreds; Syndicated epitomzies the combination of art and style. A perfect example of art meeting fashion would be The Hundreds. This brand represents the skater, surfer, punk, and hip-hop cultures. They created a line of t-shirts and hoodies in collaboration with artist Jun Cha. Jun wanted to represent urban life and decided on using clothing instead of canvas.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Jun Cha on a recent visit to Syndicated Clothing.
Jun, who/what inspired you to be an artist?
It was kind of an obligation for me to draw and paint. I was influenced by Renaissance artists such as Leonardo Da vinci and Michael Angelo Their art was revolutionary and influenced me greatly.
You draw, tattoo, design graphics, and paint. Do you have a favorite outlet of expression?
I see them as different mediums but you’re still visually communicating. I feel that painting brings the most freedom because there are no limitsas to what you can do. At the same time, that is what makes painting the most challenging. Tattooing is a totally different dynamic because you’re dealing with a live person. If I had to select a favorite, I would choose all of them.
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I have noticed the use of black and grey tones as well as realistic images in your paintings. Are these real people or are these images that you create in your mind?
A lot of themes, people, and characters are people in my life, my generation, and my environment. It is all about human connection and what it means in my generation in a place like Los Angeles or a place called America. It has to do with a contemporary struggle.
Okay Jun, I’m going to pick your brain with some Hip-Hop/Art related questions. If you could choose any landmark in the world to use as a canvas, where would it be and why?
As a tattoo artist, I feel that the perfect landmark is the next person. One of the biggest things for me is that tattoos are eternal. It’s a huge honor for me for someone to weat my art for life.
I was expecting something like the Brooklyn Bridge or Mt. Rushmore. That’s an excellent answer though.
I know you’re a fan of hip-hop. If you could recreate any hip-hop album cover, what would it be and why?
I’m a youngster and there is a whole generation before me that I have to educate myself on. I’m a huge Tupac fan. I would say “Makaveli.” I feel that one was a transitional album. I think the cover can be represented in a totally different trip.
If you could create your own super group consisting of M.C.’s and a producer. Who would be in it?
The producer would be Dr. Dre. The M.C.s would be Biggie, Nas, Tupac.
Classic west coast production!!!
I have one last question? Would it be possible to tattoo a six pack on my stomach?
Haha, with some shading!
Jun, Is there anything you would like to share with our readers? Especially those young and up and coming artists who are trying to do whatyou are doing?
The biggest thing I would like to emphasize is the importance of education. Be focused and have a passion on what you want to do. Be inspired by what I do but don’t forget that it takes a lot of hard work. It takes a lot of dedication and a lot of values that I feel my generation are missing.
I would like to thank Jun Cha and the staff of Syndicated Clothing for taking time out to make this interview happen. Make sure you check out Juncha’s website at www.juncha.net. He truly is a genius.
Syndicated Clothing
1767 Route 22 West
Union, NJ 07083
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Jun Cha Interview @ Syndicated Clothing
