Artist Statement
On a spring’s day, I embarked on a journey to document and sketch the old neighbourhood of An-Chang Mayul in Pusan. Known locally as Daldongnae (Moon Village), this community nestled atop a hill, a relic of the Korean War era, built by refugees drawn to its lunar-like elevation.
During my final of year of university, I felt compelled to capture the essence of human existence through visual expression. Inspired by the student movement and driven by a profound concern for human rights and the paradoxes of capitalist society, I found my artistic voice.
At the time, I was deeply intrigued by the human form, seeking ways to authentically portray the vitality of life. Simultaneously, I grappled with the imperfect geometry of the village’s architecture. Despite the apparent emptiness of its streets, the spaces were imbued with the presence of individuals shaped by the weight of history and circumstance. Capturing the essence of An-Chang Mayul became a necessity; a portrayal of the present moment, visually ironic yet delicately balanced, embodying the resilient shapes of survival. While the area may be perceived as a slum, it serves as a microcosm of Busan, teeming with individuals yearning for a life of dignity.
In my artistic process, I pursue using Korean painting materials, muk, pigments with fish bone medium on triple-layered Korean mulberry paper, a choice reflective of both tradition and contemporary approach.