"Bouquet-Saekdong" Painting

I continue to create artwork that reflect the preciousness of ordinary life, a deep respect for the small lives on Earth, and the overwhelming, immutable laws of nature. It all began with a sense of sorrow for animals suffering in factory farming, as well as for stray cats, pigeons, and abandoned dogs. There is also a deep concern for the environment, especially the indiscriminate dumping of plastic and non-degradable waste into the oceans. In the beginning, I created direct and narrative-based paintings, but eventually I introduced a spirit-like character named “MiMoN” to connect with the public in a more approachable and friendly way. MiMoN is inspired by a rabbit I used to have as a pet. I feel the rabbit is a fitting model for a small spirit-like character, as it is a gentle and vulnerable creature that exists near the bottom of the ecosystem, reproducing frequently and serving as prey for carnivores. The spirit MiMoN represents the soul or essence that resides in all things—whether animals, objects, this gentle spirit becomes a conduit to something greater: the vast and unchanging natural law, often referred to as the "Dao" or "Way." Here, nature not only refers to the green, living environment, but also to the concept of “being as it is” — the unchanging, inevitable laws that govern the universe, like the movements of heaven and earth. As beings no more than specks of dust in the vast universe, living fleeting lives in the blink of cosmic time—can humanity continue its destructive path, driven by endless desire? Watching the endless greed of people featured in the news raises questions in me, but nonetheless, I hope that my work while bringing artistic enjoyment to the public and, even in a small way, has a positive impact.