Artist Statement
Hanji, Korea’s time-honored mulberry paper, embodies resilience, texture, and a profound connection to the earth, echoing stories rooted in generations. In my work, Hanji becomes a vessel for exploring the delicate balance between diaspora and identity through abstract landscapes. Each fragment of paper, whether cut, torn, or repositioned, retains its intrinsic integrity, symbolizing the diasporic experience — individuals separated from their ancestral lands yet holding onto their essence.
My collages, composed of layered Hanji, mirror the convergence of diasporic communities, where histories, traditions, and memories intertwine to form a cohesive yet multifaceted identity. Abstract landscapes serve as their backdrop, representing the emotional terrains of belonging and longing. These shifting geographies evoke nostalgia for homelands, the embrace of new communities, and the in-between spaces of self-discovery.
Through this interplay of Hanji and abstract forms, my work acts as a bridge, connecting histories and geographies while reflecting on the enduring spirit of displaced communities. It celebrates the beauty of resilience and transformation, honoring the narratives of those who find harmony in the duality of their roots and adopted homes. For me, this confluence is not just a medium but a dialogue on identity, migration, and the stories we carry forward.