From my earliest memories, I have always had a fascination with playing in the dirt, soil, and

mud. The gritty, chalky and muddy texture, along with the vibrant colors hidden within,

captivated me. These sensory experiences from my childhood serve as the foundational

inspiration for my artwork. The rough textures and vivid colors on my canvases reflect the

natural world, reminiscent of the soil, dirt, and mud I used to play with.

I create these rough textures by pouring different color mixtures and layering laces. Then, with

various colors of acrylic paint, I design different patterns. This process involves repetitive

pouring, layering and painting, demanding patience and perseverance, much like the journey of

life itself. Through this laborious process, I seek harmony among the diverse colors and

patterns, mirroring the pursuit of unity and coexistence in our society. The entire artistic process,

from what I aim for on the canvas to how I achieve it, echoes my own experience as an

immigrant. 

My ‘Diversity’ series began with a profound realization I had one Sunday morning while

attending church. From the second-floor balcony, I witnessed a gathering of hundreds of people,

each displaying a unique combination of skin tones, hair colors, patterns, and outfits. Despite

their distinct appearances and differing backgrounds in politics, socio-economics, and culture,

what struck me was their unity. It was a strikingly beautiful moment for me, having arrived in this

melting pot country just three years prior from Korea. The scene reminded me of a grand oak

tree, with its various branches stemming from a single root, forming a harmonious

beauty - ‘Diversity from One Seed (2015).’ Through this series, I take joy in sharing through my

canvases the beauty of diversity and harmony that I have observed in this country.

During the pandemic, I found myself disheartened by the rise in hate crimes and divisions. As

an Asian immigrant who deeply appreciates the beauty of diversity, it was emotionally

challenging to navigate those times. However, it also provided me with an opportunity for deeper

reflection on the concept of diversity that has always fascinated me. I was reminded of Maya

Angelou’s wise words, ‘In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength!’ Through my artwork, I

aim to remind my audience that hope lies in the strength of diversity.

ARTIST NOTE

Is life two-dimensional?: Exploring the Layers of Life

We connect with the world through screens today. Two dimensional images we see on screens

are compounds of color pixels and its arrangements. This image, composed of different color

pixels, captures a moment, and show in two dimensions. These two-dimensional images, when

used in movies and video clips, deliver multi-dimensional stories.

We hear various stories of other people through SNS today. I ask, is what we see and hear from

SNS all true? Aren’t we perhaps quickly forming judgments based on a fragmented image?

I believe that our life is more than a bunch of fragmented images on the screens put together.

We are complicated entities with multiple dimensions. I see it as a complex of various scraps

layered over and over.

As if each strand of threads weave into a fabric and various scraps of fabrics form a layer, our

life is weaved from each moment, various experiences, and its memories. Those various

experiences and numerous memories make who I am now. There is so many stories weaved

into who I am that it cannot be explained by a single image.

My work is to transfer these multiple layers of life into a canvas. I begin with layering up laces,

which is weaved from multiple strands of threads, while experimenting with the blend of color

paint mixtures. This spontaneous, almost impulsive, act is the process of releasing myself from

conflicts and desires. Through the process of layering laces over, I create beautiful texture. By

creating different textures from the multiple layers of laces, I tried to represent the complexity of

our life.

I tried to express stories of myself, life, and nature by drawing various patterns. Each segment

of pattern represents the fragments of our memories and how they are structured in the process

of socialization. The various colors and shapes eventually form/evolve into(?) one image. This

process resembles our life journey. I want to share my life story that is