Baridegi
As someone who loves myths, ancient concepts, and old stories, “Baridegi” has always been one of my favorite tales, inspiring me to create an artwork based on the character. The story comes from a traditional Korean myth about Princess Baridegi, whose name translates to “the child who was thrown away.” Born as the seventh daughter to a king who wanted a son, she is abandoned at birth but survives with the help of nature. When her mother falls gravely ill, Baridegi undertakes a perilous journey to retrieve sacred water and flowers to save her. Traveling far west and even crossing the underworld, she overcomes numerous trials through her wisdom and courage. Ultimately, she succeeds and is deified as a goddess who guides souls between life and death.
This piece blends inspiration from the myth with the elegance of Art Nouveau, incorporating traditional Korean patterns, vibrant colors, and symbolic flowers. The work celebrates her transformation into a divine figure and reflects themes of family love, sacrifice, and spiritual healing.
Temple
My inspiration and drive to create often stem from nostalgia; memories embedded in my childhood. Nostalgia typically conjures images that are faded, desaturated, and soft. However, my nostalgia is exaggerated, distorted, and made more vivid through the lens of my imagination. My nostalgia inspired my mixed-media artwork, “Temple,” which draws its roots from my treasured memory of walking into a Buddhist temple for the first time. The piece was crafted using watercolor, alcohol markers, acrylic markers, and pencil crayons, combining these mediums to achieve a dynamic visual effect.
Creating “Temple” was a meticulous process. With every pattern thoughtfully planned, I dedicated over three weeks to the work, paying close attention to intricate details. Through vibrant colors and elaborate patterns, I aimed to evoke an unreal, mythical atmosphere. The ceiling, depicted as stretching infinitely into a void, conveys a sense of mystery and curiosity, while the towering statue, with its overwhelming size, enhances the grandeur of the scene. By blending imagination with memory, I sought to create a piece that invites viewers to step into a surreal, dreamlike world, reflecting my vivid, imaginative interpretation of a cherished childhood experience.