by Todd Betzold

On last night's season finale of Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, the three artists remaining in the competition, Young, Kymia and Sara J., presented their final art shows at the Simon de Pury's gallery. While the judges admired the work that Young put into his exhibit, it was tough competition and he came home with the second place trophy. Today, we caught up with Young in an exclusive interview about his journey on Work Of Art.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: What made you want to do Work Of Art?
A: Young: It was a rare all-expenses paid opportunity to make art in NYC, have a chance at some big rewards and communicate to the masses. I remember watching season 1 on the couch and thinking, "I could do this. I'm GOING to do it!"

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Were you concerned at all about having your art judged?
A: Young: No -- I've had massive crits with 40+ German and British students and professors at once overseas. They are a direct bunch, and it steels you. Having your work honestly judged is a luxury once you leave art school. After school it's mostly 'congratulations' unless you get a critical review by someone like Jerry!

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Do you feel you accomplished showing off your personal side with your final gallery showing?
A: Young: Absolutely. Once I made the decision to make my show about my family, I knew it probably wouldn't win, but I felt this duty to record my father's memory and show how hard my mother worked to hold the family together. While death is an obvious theme, the show is actually about survival, love, and the role of family.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Who stood out to you as someone to watch out for or someone who could be your biggest competition?
A: Young: Based on the first meet and greet, I thought Kymia, Michelle and Leon would be my biggest competition.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: How do you feel about Kymia's win?
A: Young: I am so thrilled for her! It's true -- she had $50 in the bank, and now she and her boyfriend can get their own place, make incredible work and grow. Kymia's finale work was truly impressive, and I think visitors at the "world famous" Brooklyn Museum will enjoy seeing the drawings up close. I would've also been happy if Sara had won, but she already won a lot of prize money.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Is it safe to say you came out of this experience with some true, genuine friendships?
A: Young: Sara J is my sister. I've met Kymia's boyfriend and Dusty's wife. Kathryn helped my mom and grandma get home safely at the airport in NYC. Met up with Jazz in Miami, Ugo and Lola in LA. Love all those guys. There isn't anyone from the show I plan to stop communication with.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Is there anything that you're taking away from Work Of Art that you'll apply to your daily life or artwork?
A: Young: Yes, I plan to release my obsession with control and presentation in my art practice. It's time to get messy! Just today reading Jerry's Facebook comments, I love his idea that form is greater than content. How you do something is more important than the subject of what you're doing. Good advice for me.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: What do you have going now?
A: Young: Several art projects - I have a new piece in a group show called 'Resource' at Jean Albano Gallery opening in Chicago on Jan 6th. I'm also selling editions and artist books on my web site (youngsunhan.com) which will culminate in a fundraiser for North Korean refugees at the end of January at Las Manos Gallery in Chicago. I work part-time for Kavi Gupta CHICAGO | BERLIN and assisting with one of our artist's projects at Documenta in Kassel, Germany next year. Finally, I'm spending quality time with my boyfriend, mom, and grandma.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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