The Face a Bouquet Brings

2024

Memories are fueled by the emotions attached to them. Mine are no different than a bouquet of flowers. Some are overgrown, while others are pruned and grown preciously. My work is a curated bouquet of my memories and emotions involving family that I have gathered from my childhood as well as the past year.

Chrysanthemums are a traditional flower that is significant in Korean culture. Often seen in the colors white, red, and yellow, these flowers permeate traditional Korean artwork and ceremonies. I use the chrysanthemum as a motif in my work to represent what I cannot convey otherwise, as well as to pay homage to my family’s roots.

Family is a complex topic that is unique to each individual. I struggled to find the line between the emotions and experiences that I would be willing to share and those I would have to obscure for my own sake. I consider this body of work to be my way of playing with the audience, akin to a game of cards that will end if I reveal my hand.

Literally and figuratively, my work shines a light on an optimistic yet tumultuous journey through digital illustrations illuminated by various displays. This theme of illumination of a digital illustration connects to the idea of light filtering through a screen, just as the content of my work is filtered through allusions and obfuscations.