"Andante26" Collage

Each of us is a philosopher, and each artwork also serves as an artistic mirror. Through my artwork, I tried to bring myself in. My childhood memory became an inspiration for my creations.
A soft beam of light came from the paper window, reflection of diverse objects on the window, various images seen through the worn window holes inspired me deeply.

A forest is a place where countless living organisms interact, creating a microcosm where the energy circulates endlessly and life regenerates. It stimulates the five senses, restoring vitality and encouraging human beings to rest, reflect, and connect with their inner selves. In the practice of yoga, it is viewed as a collection of energy. Also, in folk religion, it is considered the place where energy is most concentrated. During times of pain, I turned to the forest for solace; it rejuvenated my spirit and brought me back to life. This mysterious place became my sanctuary.
The enigmatic qualities of the forest inspire me to capture its essence through my artwork, reinterpreting its various elements—lines, planes, and colors. I chose Hanji, a type of Korean paper, to convey senses of reflection and projection reminiscent of traditional Korean paper windows. As a daughter-in-law who has participated in ancestral rites for a long time, the ritual burning process was familiar to me. This familiarity led me to incorporate traces left by burning Korean paper with incense into my work.

The image was created through the repeated act of burning Hanji paper with incense while obscuring the traces left behind. The resulting pattern, characterized by its consistent yet irregular speeds and directions, influenced the work's final form. The intended image merges with unintended shapes to create a cohesive visual. The color and brightness of the burnt image vary based on the thickness, texture, and density of the Hanji. Different images emerge depending on factors such as the duration of the burning, its direction, and the underlying imagery. Elements like circles and straight lines—small circles within larger circles, diagonal lines, thin and thick lines, the spacing between lines, and the intersections of opposing lines—contribute to unexpected outcomes.
Engaging in this repetitive process felt like a ritual, allowing me to immerse myself in reflection and contemplation.