Highschool Portfolio 2015-16

HIGH SCHOOL PORTFOLIO 2015 - 2016

RISD . SVA . MICA accepted portfolio

/

highschool portfolio korean tradition typography ILLUSTRATION Drawing

The Graduation

2015. 09. 13 Mixed Media on paper.

Graduation, in my opinion, is like an opening a new chapter of an interesting book expecting next adventures. Graduated from high school, I am ready to embrace the waves of my life with joy and excitement despite of the fear of unknown upcoming challenges.

The Trendsetter

2015. 10. 09 Mixed Media on paper

The lives of modern people are surrounded by the media that faithfully conveys the agenda of capitalism. Influenced by the media, people’s beliefs, ideas and even attitudes are being forced to be the same. As a result, people naturally lose their identity and consequently become obsessed with the trend.

The Altar of Mammonism

2015. 10. 29 Mixed Media on Paper

As the opportunities to enjoy abundance of materials and wealthy lives increase due to the rapid growth of the industrialization, people are likely to prioritize monetary and material values over humane and moral values. All countries are actually experiencing Mammonism. Korea which underwent the most rapid social changes because of the industrialization and modernization that happened in a short period, is especially troubled by this phenomenon. Korea is actually known to be the country of courteous people in the East and Koreans emphasized on community spirit and culture of caring. However, due to Mammonism affected these traditions and made Koreans think to use others for their own benefits and worship only material success.

Korean Typography: 合 To unite

2015. 09. 17 Watercolor on paper

The first keyword of these days’ world is 合, or to unite. Unity is needed for many parts of the world such as Korea, the only divided country, Syria, devastated by ongoing civil war, ISIS, committing terrorism in random countries and many more problems not only limited in nations but also in society, community, family and even oneself.

Korean Typography: 忠 Loyalty

2016. 01. 01 Watercolor on Paper

The second keyword of this world is loyalty. In old days, Korean ancestors prioritized and emphasized on loyalty to the Country and its King. However, Koreans nowadays have no loyalty nor faith to the country and president. Rather, they are just criticizing the current government instead of seeking for the improvement. Moreover, most Koreans suggest leaving the country for more opportunities and better treatment. As the state of the country is becoming more unstable, it is definitely essential to recover one’s loyalty to the nation. This work is the typography of the one of the Chinese characters that means loyalty.

Korean Typography: Communicate

2015. 11. 18 Watercolor on paper, edited on Photoshop

In today’s rapid changing world, modern people are excessively pursuing globalization and future-oriented thinking. Moving forward for better future is always right but without knowing who we are, it means nothing. To find out the identity, we must be aware of our root; nation, history and culture. The same thing goes with art. Artworks without the root have no meaning. On the other hand, artworks with the root brings communication to share emotions transcending the ages and race. This is one of the duties that art must fulfill in this fast changing times.

Baroque meets Korea

2015. 12. 22 Mixed Media on paper

As a result of rapid development of technology, the globalization is also growing at fast rate. In respect to this phenomenon, cultural fusion is no longer surprising as well as when Baroque meets Korea.

Three dimensional furniture from the previous work “Baroque meets Korea”

2016. 01. 19 Wood Board, Isopink, Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper), Sponge and Oriental Colors.

Korean Folk Painting: Modernized Book Shelves Still Life Painting

2016. 01. 14 Dyes, Egg yolks on Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper)

Minhwa is drawn on a special paper called Hanji. The disadvantage of this papers is that it soaks too much water which makes hard for colors to be vivid and layered later on. So I have created new paints using egg yolks and dyes to make up for it. Egg yolks act as a form of adhesive due to the coagulation of the protein called lecithin. Therefore the paints stick to the Hanji better compared to normal oriental paints and allow vivid color, coating and polishing effect. Moreover, the durability of the drawing is much longer because the new paints are less likely to be discolored.

Korean Table mat and Table cover

2016. 01. 23 Embroidery on Table mat and Table cover.

The design was inspired by the Korean traditional food "Hwa-jun", or flower pancake.

Tiger in New York

2016. 01. 13 News Papers, Wires, Clay, Paper Clay and Beads

Using the concept of cultural fusion, this is the tiger, Korean traditional animal, going to New York, one of the well-known cities, by adorning himself with extravagant jewelries and abandoning his original patterns.

The Gamcheon Culture Village Series: Life, Art and Communication

2015. 11. 30 Collage, Marker, and Watercolor on Paper.

This artwork is inspired by Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan. Once undeveloped village is now transformed as a tourist attraction with the help of the Urban Regeneration Project. Art as public art creates an environment that enriches the quality of life and enables the alienated to communicate with the outside world. Despite the fact that this village is no longer outcasted, it still lacks amenities for its residences. Drawings in this work represent convenient and culture facilities such as library, theater, health club, café, reading room and more.

Three dimensional artwork of imaginary amenities of the Gamcheon Culture Village for its residences as an extension of previous work “Life, Art and Communication”

2016. 01. 23 Foam board, Wood board, Acrylic Paint, Sponge and Stickers.