과거 미팅 준비 2번째 영어 버전
1. Why I applied to * Gallery
I watched an interview with *, the director of Whitestone Gallery, on YouTube.
He said, “Art should not be difficult — it should be enjoyed like listening to a melody, with a sense of pleasure.”
I deeply resonated with this idea.
I was also deeply impressed by * Gallery’s history and its role in connecting with contemporary art, while embracing international activities beyond borders and boundaries.
The Japanese art market holds great international power, and I have a strong desire to present my artistic language and identity in this space.
Especially with * Gallery, I believe my work can be appreciated for what it truly is, without borders or pretense.
That is why I applied.
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2. Artist Introduction
I am an artist who expresses stories of love, hope, vitality, and regeneration through bodily language, using a persona within nature.
I connect the body with nature and visually capture the emotions and energy of life.
I have held seven solo exhibitions and participated in group shows in London, Venice, Rome, Florence, and Istanbul.
I have also received several international awards including:
• Certificate of Artistic Achievement, Luxembourg Art Prize (2022)
• Artist of the Month Special Prize, United Kingdom (2022)
• NordArt – The Artists of the NordArt, Germany (2020)
• Marie Marzloff Award 1st Prize, Italy (2020)
• Prisma Art Prize Winner, Italy (2020)
In 2023, I was also selected for a national government art bank project in Korea, and my works were acquired for their collection.
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3. Features and Strengths of My Work
Technically, my works are characterized by multiple thin layers stacked on top of each other.
Between these layers, there are gaps and flows of energy, like spaces where the wind can rest — creating a sense of immersion, as if the audience is stepping into the painting.
My delicate details stimulate not only visual appreciation but also evoke tactile sensations.
Through my work, I emphasize the importance of nature.
Human beings inevitably encounter conflicts and pain. In times of hardship, people long for a place of peace, and nature embraces them.
Forests and seas are free spaces beyond the laws of human limitation.
Disorder, order, ugliness, beauty — everything coexists naturally.
The sea is the origin of all life, and within its shimmering waves, countless fleeting moments are dissolved.
Life and death are not separate in nature.
Decay and rebirth constantly coexist, making regeneration always possible.
Nature contains everything — even human life.
In its vast, strong, and sometimes fragile nature, we find peace.
We instinctively return to our ancient origins and recover our lost natural selves, quietly observing the cycles of life.
Everything flows.
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4. Why I Paint Nature
I survived life-threatening moments with nature by my side.
It held me when I was about to disappear and brought me back to life.
Through that, I learned to stay alive even in pain — and to love existence just as it is.
That’s why painting nature feels inevitable to me.
It’s not just a subject — it’s how I breathe.
At times, standing by the sea, I feel like only I remain still while everything moves.
Even then, just staying becomes an achievement.
I want to share the quiet comfort I received from nature.
To the lonely souls of our time, I want to say:
“It’s okay.
Even if you’re swept away, as long as you’re alive, it’s enough.”
Through my work, I speak of fragility, regeneration, and the quiet strength of simply being.
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5. Why You Should Collaborate with Me
Though I have received international awards, I am still an artist with infinite room to grow.
Each year, I seek new approaches and forms of expression within my own themes.
I constantly long for newness, eager to learn and experience more — transforming those experiences into art.
I hope my work brings positive influence to the audience and meaningful inspiration to other artists of our time.
I am confident that I am an artist worth watching for future growth and transformation.
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6. Why I Want to Exhibit in Tokyo
Tokyo is currently the hottest and most dynamic place in the Asian art market.
My goal is to weave a new narrative here.
With each good experience, I believe my personas and my art will evolve into deeper, more sophisticated forms.
A Tokyo exhibition will be both a turning point and an expansion of new possibilities for me.
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7. Exhibition / Project Proposal
If possible, I would like to hold an exhibition under the overarching theme:
“If we truly listen to nature, we can fill ourselves anew, embrace changes flexibly, and remember that we too, like all life, have the power to revive. Nature is within us. I hope to learn from nature how to keep living, and to share this sense of resilience with others. Every life creates its own story, and that itself is beautiful and complete.”
* Gallery’s past exhibitions often feature artists’ sensory experiences and identities, unfolding the essence of existence in experimental and emotional ways. Since my work also focuses on inner dialogue with nature and the regenerative strength of life, I feel a strong connection with the gallery’s curatorial direction.
In particular, I am interested in exhibition formats — both solo and group shows — that explore nature, human beings, the vitality of existence, and emotonal honesty. I would like to experiment with using space like nature itself, combining painting, installation, objects, video, performative physical language, and interactive programs such as artist talks and workshops.
I believe this approach will harmonize well with * Gallery’s beautiful sense of space, stillness, and minimal atmosphere. I am eager to participate in collaborative projects that actively reflect the ideas of the director and curator, while opening new possibilities through mutual respect and inspiration.
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8. What Kind of Series / Work Are You Planning Next?
Recently, I’ve been working on a new series titled The Adventures of Black Shell and Won, featuring my persona, Black Shell, alongside Won, another character in the story.
They experience new encounters in spaces where natural essence is maximized.
They learn to interact with openness, respect, and acceptance — and gain courage to embark on new adventures.
Through this series, I plan to explore even broader natural landscapes, human emotions, relationships, and the meaning of existence.
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9. Message for the Japanese Audience
This is not only for Japan, but for all of us.
We live in a time where emotions are hidden behind politeness and formality.
People are quietly breaking inside, even while appearing fine.
Through my work, I want to say:
“It’s okay — just as you are, in this moment.”
Nature embraces everything as it is.
I wish for my work to do the same — to offer a quiet space to breathe, to feel, and to remember:
Simply being alive is already enough.
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