farewell
Farewell
2023
Acrylic on canvas
72 x 92 cm
This work delves into the complex realm of human emotions and relationships. I wanted to capture an emotional scene in a personally important Korean War and commemorate its significance to the audience.
The inspiration for this piece was drawn from a historical photograph taken by Paul Gould Schlessinger during the Korean War, which captured a moment of separation between an American G.I. and his houseboy.
The soldier’s perplexed expression is accentuated by the somber blue tones that imbue the artwork with a melancholic atmosphere and convey a profound sense of sorrow and emotional void. The houseboy, taking on the role of a comforting figure and offering reassurance through his body language, elicits feelings of sympathy in the viewer.
Yearn
Yearn
2022
Graphite and pencil on watercolor paper
60x 45 cm
Grasping in determination? Relaxing from rage? within the amalgamation of tranquility and chaos this piece explores the concept of peace in agony.
The juxtaposition of the relaxed position against the vehement thrusting position creates a sense of eerieness as well as calmness to further signify this message. The smooth black and white monotone background created by layers of graphite induces a strong contrast of light and dark in the piece. The multiple limbs and poses of the figure induce movement in the piece to represent liveliness. The cross-hatching of the background shapes the figure’s outline. The relaxed facial expression in a kneeling pose alludes to religious suffering.
Unsetting etiquette
Unsetting etiquette
2023
Acrylic on canvas
65 x 91cm
In this piece, my intention was to depict the discomfort and unease I, as an international student with a Korean background, experienced. Specifically, I wanted to portray the act of forcing a smile and bowing down to show respect. I thought it would be interesting to explore the unsettling aspects of Asian cultures where honorifics are necessary based on age rather than individual character.
Overall, this piece offers an alternate perspective, which I believe is important when I want to convey any message about gratitude.
THE LAST Supper
The last supper
2022
Acrylic on canvas
45 x 60cm
This piece delves into humans’ relationship with time by exploring the subconscious aspects of our daily act of eating a meal. Initially resembling a hole in the foreground, closer inspection reveals that the ovular ground is, in fact, the character’s head, hinting at the idea of eternal cycles. The purple cloth and blue sky create a cool tone which accentuates the red napkin and the bright gold sand. The figure, dressed in a tuxedo and engaged in a serious meal within an unreal setting, sparks curiosity and a sense of amusement in this artwork. This piece, reminiscent of Salvador Dali’s surrealistic paintings, captivates the viewer and reflects my deep fascination with portraying the most dreamlike and imaginative scenes in a realistic manner.
One Perpetual Halt
One perpetual halt
2023
Acrylic on canvas
53 x 72 cm
This painting seeks to explore the preservation and representation of cherished memories. The chandelier, delicately suspended by a single thread, mirrors the fragility and resilience inherent in our memories. The chaotic and unstable nature of these memories is depicted through the falling ceiling and the fragments of memories, symbolized as stones.
The artwork conveys how selected stones (memories), pass through the chandelier and transform into precious gems. The spiraling stairs and the rich crimson carpet create an elegant ambiance, in line with the luxurious chandelier to accentuate the value of the memories.
The transparent round bowl in the painting serves as a representation of my vessel. In this narrative, I aim to highlight the idea that the beauty of memories lies in their fragility and radiance. Although memories can be distorted and may deviate from reality, they remain precious and significant for oneself.
Velocity
Velocity
2023
Oil on canvas
42 x 59.4 cm
Encountering this motorcycle parked next to a Korean local market left a deep impression on me, as its weathered appearance reminded me of the resilience of culture.
My artwork embodies a profound appreciation for indigenous culture, specifically local markets, and the necessity of preserving it. Drawing inspiration from Tullio Crali’s Aeropittura style, which is rooted in his fascination with the evolution of airplanes, I’ve incorporated his compositional elements into my own work. By capturing the motorcycle from various angles and experimenting with the flow of energy along the borders and focal points of the photos, I’ve injected a sense of movement and dynamism. This piece pays homage to the enduring culture and the fleeting moments that shape our perspective, encapsulating the beauty found within those transient instances.
Life of a persimmon
Life of a persimmon
2023
Acrylic paint on acrylic board
25 x 25 x 20cm
A persimmon is best when it’s completely soft and ripe. My grandma always gave us ripe persimmons when we visited in the fall. It is a fruit that represents warmth in the cold for me.
The cycle of a persimmon seed represents human growth. Our talents grow like persimmons and eventually are to lend our nutrients to the future generation. This is why I chose a persimmon. Nature is a cycle, and so are we. To represent that, I attached the boards in a complete circuit and showed the different stages of the growth of a persimmon tree. The bird is a magpie, a symbolic bird in South Korea that appears in folk tales and represents good omen.
Reverie
Reverie
2023
Ink on ceramic
30 x 20 cm
I sculpted a ceramic pillow drawing a parallel between cultural appreciation and the commonplace.
By utilizing ceramic as the medium, this artwork encourages a sense of gratitude by prompting contemplation on the lost functionality of the pillow.
It invites viewers to revere seemingly ordinary possessions, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural intricacies within the rhythms of daily life.
This work merges my Korean roots with a fascination for the traditional card game, Hwatu. This game, evoking cherished memories of family gatherings, inspired me to craft a Hwatu deck featuring a crane—an emblem of mountain guardians in Asian culture.
LES Etrangers sur la rue
Les étrangers sur la rue
2022
Ink on ceramic
30 x 20 cm
This piece seeks to celebrate the unifying power of language as it explores the intricate relationship between language and thought. The artwork beautifully captures the harmony and love found in diversity, delving into the rich tapestry of multiculturalism and multilingualism within our society.
The dynamic figures, filled with an array of languages such as Korean, English, French, and Spanish, represent my deep interest in language but also the value I found in them. The scene is portrayed from a central perspective point, using cross-hatching techniques with marker pen.
OPTIC
Optic
2023
Pencil on paper
40 x 46 cm
My eyesight is poor. I have worn glasses since I was 7. Naturally, they became an essential part of my life. In this piece, I gathered two items related to vision to emphasize the importance of vision and perception.
GRATITUTE
Gratitude
2023
Photography
90 x 75 cm
This piece underscores the importance of gratitude for everyday objects. The intent was to prompt viewers to contemplate the comfort of sitting on a chair, ultimately fostering a sense of gratitude in it.
For this project, I collaborated with my friend to model a photoshoot led by photographer Damian Siquieros. Utilizing warm orange lighting and placing the model in a relaxed posture, I aimed to craft a serene ambience. An intentional choice was made to crop the head and feet, adding an element of mystery to the artwork. I followed Damian’s guidance by eliminating unnecessary elements and directing attention toward the model’s hand movement symbolizing gratitude. My objective was to capture a tranquil yet contemplative mood, encouraging viewers to engage in deep thoughts and calmly appreciate the photography.
JUXTAPOSE this moment, now
Jutapose this moment, now
2022
Gouache on paper
33 x 45cm
While standing in front of a Seocho metro station during the nighttime, I was mezmerized by a powerful scenery that caught my attention. The cityscape, drenched in deep blues and aglow with vibrant lights, splendidly portrayed the bustling rush hours of Seoul. I set out to convey the sensory imagery of bustling pedestrians, the brisk touch of the wind, and the sounds of cars, aiming to immerse the viewer in the heart of Seoul’s streets.
VIEW
View
2022
Colour pencil and water color on paper
21 x 30cm x 6
In this piece, I tried to explore elements in life that catch our eyes in different ways, which may be subtle, emotional, or explicit.
BUILDUNGSROMAN
In my artwork, Buildungsroman, I delve into the concept of progress and its gradual nature. The composition features five independent poses arranged side by side on a blue canvas, symbolizing a transition from one state to another.
This artwork encapsulates the gradual nature of progress through five simple figure drawings set against a blue backdrop. The juxtaposition of bold lines and distinct poses captures the essence of transition and growth, inviting viewers to reflect on the perseverance and evolution required in the face of challenges. The piece embodies the idea of “Buildungsroman,” underscoring our role as authors of our narratives and emphasizing ongoing personal development. The artwork prompts reflection on the significance of growth, gratitude, and embracing the transitional phases of progress as essential elements of personal development.
Title: Buildungsroman
Postercolor
Size: 38 x 20 cm
Date: 2021
나 (Self portrait)
나 (Self Portrait)
2023
Acrylic on canvas and mixed media
73 x 62 cm
This artwork serves as a self-portrait, expressing my emotions and perspective on life as I navigate the journey, especially in my current stage of adolescence as a high school student. The vertical staircase and the clouds in the piece strive to encapsulate the vibrant essence of youth and my optimism for the future. The expansive blue sky symbolizes the energy and freedom that characterizes this phase of life, embodying my deep appreciation for experiencing this stage with hope.
Journey 1
Journey 1
2023
Digital
OECD PISA top academic achieving country, Korea. Also OECD Suicide ranking ranking number 1, Korea. I delve into the problems of teenagers in modern society through an animation storyboard. A story about a student walking through a desert with a huge luggage, struggling to reach success. Devastation conquers them when they see the apex of success, pulling them down into the abyss that symbolizes suicide. It is only when the student takes their luggage and swims desperately that they come back to the surface and face themselves. They may have taken off the burden but lost all their accomplishments. But what’s more important is acknowledging yourself and reflecting before your shadow devours you. Achievements can be earned but not your life.
GREED
Greed
2023
Pencil on laper
45 x 59 cm
Greed, the deepest and most sincere desire within humans. This piece Reveals the sheer ruthlessness and inclination of humans to step on one another to ascend to the summit.
This narrative prompts contemplation: why do humans relentlessly chase an ambiguous future? What impels them to crush others in their pursuit of success, engaging in an invisible struggle? A pitch-black background, enriched with chiaroscuro, sets a dramatic ambiance that accentuates luminance. The strategic removal of extraneous elements enhances the significance of two discernible focal points: vigorous hands outstretched in this pivotal moment, seemingly suspended in time at the zenith of climax. As individuals compete for a rope leading into the unknown, I question the viewer about the purpose of greed, and aim to acknowledge the ugly side of humans as well.
LEE JONG DAE
LEE JONG DAE
2023
Woodcut & hanji paper
55 x 73cm
My grandfather served as a military pilot for the South Korean army. He taught me invaluable life experiences, and about my country’s history, playing a significant role in shaping the person I am today. This piece serves as a symbol of appreciation to him.
To convey a sense of solemnity and maximize contrast, I employed the woodcut technique in this artwork. The medium woodcut represents effort and time, a symbol of my grandfather’s resilience in the military. Every stroke creates one line of light, which comes together to form the wrinkles of his face and shirt. Utilizing strong contrasts, particularly in his face, I sought to capture his unwavering determination despite his age. The presence of the half-shut window behind him adds depth and invites the viewer to imagine the figure’s shape, creating a three-dimensional plane without explicitly delineating the lines.