09.19 - present
misc.
art
gallery
"Modern Specimen", 2020
"Modern Specimen" is an introspective exploration of the disheartening state of our beloved shorelines, inspired by the organic elegance of real-life seaweed and kelp. Molded painstakingly from plastic pellets and delicately hand-dyed with a palette of vibrant hues, each sculpture embodies the disturbing reality of our beaches now being overrun with human-generated waste. Through this series, I aim to bring attention to the distressing transformation of natural wonders into manufactured specimens, urging viewers to confront the consequences of our negligent environmental practices.
"Dichotomized", 2020
In "Dichotomized," I aimed to capture the complexity of protests. The first board (inspired by the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement) signifies unity in protest, using mixed media to depict communities binding for a common cause. Vibrant colors and interwoven symbols convey the palpable solidarity during peaceful moments. Conversely, the second board delves into conflict and turmoil, illustrating how peaceful demonstrations can fall to chaos and violence. Using raw materials and fragmented imagery, "Dichotomized" aims to evoke the disheartening fragmentation of societal harmony in the face of unrest.
"Feminine Strata"
This series delves into the intricate pressures on women's self-image. The leftmost acrylic piece portrays the silent battles of dysmorphia, urging contemplation on the burdens women carry in their pursuit of self-acceptance. The central mixed media work presents a dynamic portrayal of societal beauty standards, with an underlying reference to the normalization of cosmetic procedures. The concluding oil painting depicts a vulnerable woman atop cactuses, symbolizing not only emotional endurance but also the physical pain women endure, prompting reflection on the resilience demanded of women in the face of both emotional and physical challenges. The series invites viewers to reflect on the emotional complexities and physical endurance inherent in the female experience within contemporary society.
Miscellaneous
Left: I was struck by Director Jordan Peele's imagery with scissors in the movie, "Us", and wanted to play on the idea of duality. In my piece, duality is represented in the scissors themselves (two pieces that create a whole), the shoes (which serve their purpose only as a pair), and most importantly, in the artistic effects that create confusion as to what in the piece is "real" and what is created by the artist. The scissors were drawn with color pencil and all shadows were painted with diluted acrylic.
Right: Composed as a technical study into watercolor, this painting uses the effortless coalescence of various textures, eras, and colors to signify my foundational self as a second-generation Korean American; depending on the viewer's perspective, the painting could appear to be dominated either by the modern elements or by their traditional counterparts. Some viewers may reject this dichotomy entirely and may rather perceive the painting as whole.
