Artist Statement

WESTERN × ORIENTAL

I was born in South Korea and currently reside in California, where the convergence of Eastern and Western artistic traditions has profoundly influenced my creative practice. My work explores the intersection of these two cultural aesthetics: the meditative restraint and fluidity characteristic of East Asian art, and the expressive symbolism and emotional complexity often found in Western art movements.

Visually, my paintings integrate transparent layers and delicate, gestural lines reminiscent of traditional East Asian ink wash techniques. These are juxtaposed with compositional structures and symbolic elements inspired by European Symbolism, emphasizing psychological depth and human emotion. Intentional and unintentional marks converge into abstracted human silhouettes and postures, reflecting both conscious expression and subconscious impulse.

Through this synthesis of form, texture, and cultural language, I investigate how visual art can express states of ambiguity—emotions that are neither fully defined nor articulated. My goal is to create visual spaces that invite contemplation and offer viewers a quiet sense of comfort, emotional resonance, and inner stillness.