Artworks 2023-
Amid the challenges brought about by the Covid pandemic, I found inspiration in specific events that underscored the theme of "interconnectedness." One notable example is the journey of dust from fossilized remains in a dried-up Sahara lake, carried by the wind to nourish the Amazon rainforest. This rainforest, a vital ecological treasure, contributes approximately 6-9% of the world's oxygen annually.
The passing of my mother in 2021 became a poignant catalyst for introspection, guiding me to explore my own existence through the lens of lineage. In the process, I seamlessly integrated my mother's artwork and the brush strokes I inherited from her into my own creations. Her dedication to Korean ink paintings during her 30s left an indelible mark on me. These personal reflections on lineage and the transmission of the creative spirit across generations facilitated a profound connection with my mother, transcending the boundaries of time and enriching my artistic journey.
23-01_Dust from Sahara Desert to Amazon_Interconnectedness_forming the existence
Gouache, graphite, collage, transparent fabric over a piece of punctured paper over clay board
15 x 26 x 2"
2023
This is another work based on the scientific discovery about all beings are interconnected, and sustain life on Earth. From the dried-up Lake Mega-Chad in the Sahara Desert, 150 million tons of the fossilized remains are ground into fine dust and lifted up by the wind, and dropped in the Atlantic Ocean and Amazon forest yearly. In the Atlantic Ocean, planktons use it as a nutrient source, absorb carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen into the atmosphere. About half of the oxygen in the atmosphere is produced by the ocean phytoplankton. Furthermore, dust is dropped in the Amazon rainforest. Its infertile soil by constant rain and flood washing away the nutrients are replenished by this dust. Amazon rainforest is called the “lungs of the planet” because they draw in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen.
24-07_Interconnectedness_forming the existence_fabric of existence
Gouache, Korean ink, collage pieces from my mother's ink painting on vellum, plywood, and Nobang(Korean colored-transparent silk)
24 x 21.5 x 1.5"
2024
24-01_Interconnectedness_forming the existence_fabric of existence
Gouache, concentrated watercolor ink, graphite pencil, and collage on clay board
14 x 11 x 2"
2024
24-02_Interconnectedness_forming the existence_fabric of existence
Gouache and spray paint on multi layers of Nobang(Korean colored-transparent silk)
24.5 x 20.5 x 1.5"
2024
24-03_Interconnectedness_forming the existence_fabric of existence
Gouache on multi layers of Nobang(Korean colored-transparent silk) and acrylic on wood panel
13 x 10.5 x 1.5"
2024
Detail of the process working with multi layers of Nobang(Korean transparent-colored silk) and its "moiré," a wavy pattern appearance when silk fabric is layered and in interaction with physical light.
24-04_Interconnectedness_the holy fabric of existence
Gouache and collage on vellum, Nobang(Korean colored-transparent silk), wood panel
13 x 10.5 x 1.5"
2024
24-05_Interconnectedness_forming the existence_fabric of existence
Gouache on layers of Nobang(Korean colored-transparent silk)
24 x 24 x 1.5"
2024
Detail-Multi layers of Nobang silk produce higher saturation in colors as the physical light penetrates and is kept between the layers. Color itself is formed as the result of interconnected elements in space and time.
Detail-Multi layers of Nobang silk produce higher saturation in colors as the physical light penetrates and is kept between the layers. Color itself is formed as the result of interconnected elements in space and time.
24-06_Interconnectedness_forming the existence_fabric of existence
Gouache on layers of Nobang(Korean colored-transparent silk)
14.5 x 27 x 2"
2024