embroidery,

where I appreciate the speed and ease of machine work but find a unique charm in the artistry of hand sewing. Each stitch created by hand carries its own character, reflecting the individual touch that cannot be replicated by a machine. As I pour my time and effort into each piece, my sincere feelings come to life, infusing my work with emotion and meaning. The more I invest in my embroidery, the more it transforms into a heartfelt expression of my creativity and dedication.

2024, Organza, Hand sewing

In-Between

In order to convey my life as a Korean-American, this artwork makes use of organza, a translucent fabric frequently used in hanbok. Organza, which is a space between total transparency and opacity, is a representation of my dual identity. I live on the edge of the American and Korean worlds, navigating both cultures without truly belonging to either.

The various hues found in the structure of the brain represent my own experiences, feelings, memories, and layers of identity. Every color represents my individual journey, cultural principles, and the multifaceted experiences that have shaped me as an American and a Korean. My origins and identity are told in this work, which also depicts my journey as a fluid being who embraces both worlds while preserving a delicate balance.

Imperfect Ideals

This artwork represents a collage of idealized elements gathered from various magazines, stitched together as if to illustrate the merging of aspirations and realities. The rough stitching marks accentuate the artificiality of these ideals, revealing a deeper desire for perfection in every aspect of life. The act of stitching itself amplifies this tension, highlighting the contrast between the flawless images and the imperfect, tangible nature of the artwork. Through this piece, I explore the complex relationship between our desires for idealism and the raw, imperfect beauty of the human experience.

2023, magazine, Hand sewing

Raw Perception

This piece of art reinterprets Jenny Saville-inspired themes to challenge how society views women's bodies. Previously praised for their beauty, fuller female bodies are now frequently criticized with terms like "meat" or "pig." In response, this piece stitches portions of a woman's body to look like raw meat using embroidery. The work mocks a culture that objectifies and devalues natural, fuller figures, turning them into lifeless commodities, through this visceral portrayal. It asks viewers to consider the harmful ways society perceives and evaluates women's bodies by fusing the tenderness of fabric with the brutality of meat-like imagery.