30” (W) x 30”(H), Mixed Media Collage Pastel on Canvas

Mixed Media Collage with Pastel on Canvas

36”(W) x 24”(H)

36”((W) x 36”(H), Mixed Media Collage with Pastel on Canvas

24”(W) x 24”(H), Mixed Media Collage with Pastel on Canvas

24” (W) x 24”(H), Mixed Media Collage with Pastel on Canvas

20”(W) x 16”(H), Mixed Media Collage with Pastel on Panel

30”(W) x 30”(H), Mixed Media Collage with Pastel on Canvas

24”(W) x 24”(H), Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

24”(H) x 18”(W), Mixed Media with Collage on Canvas

I am covering my eyes, ears, and mouth with my hands in reference to the principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," and also in direct reference to a Korean proverb about marriage.

According to this proverb, a new bride should be blind for three years so she will not criticize anything she sees, dumb for three years so she won’t speak out and say something she may regret later, and deaf for three years so she won’t be upset by being scolded. The proverb expresses the difficulties faced by a bride who was forced to deal with numerous restrictions and conflicts while living with her husband and his family. Traditional Korean views on marriage place importance on paternal-centered families and a culture in which men have authority over women. In the past, the culture of marriage would dominate women’s lives and consciousness. Fortunately, married women’s lives have improved, and young brides are no longer subject to this irrational situation. However, there are still women striving to break free from their traditional roles.

24”(H) x 18”(W), Collage with news papers and acrylic on Canvas

I view the recent events in America, my second country, as a horrific disaster. I am filled with a deep sorrow beyond frustration, and I find it difficult to express my feelings verbally. I am not interested in politics, but the way I see it, the problems that have arisen in the United States in recent years are not just because of political ambition, wealth inequality, or lack of education. The current situation arises from selfishness, prejudice, and arrogance. The United States today is not the America that I was once proud of. Where did humanism go, the spiritual guideline of my life?

My work American Pieta is a collage composed of images of the Statue of Liberty wearing a mask on her face and supporting an American flag draped on her lap. She is holding her torch down at her side and the flame has gone out. At Liberty’s feet there are images of the January 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol. The work is a direct reference to Christian depictions of Mary holding the dead body of Jesus, such as the Pietà sculpture by Michelangelo. American Pieta has numerous meanings, including the death of democracy, the many victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of humanism, and the collapse of freedom and opportunity.

American Pieta is a troubling image, yet it contains some symbols of hope for the future. The Statue of Liberty’s torch remains intact, a sign that America will be resurrected and the torch will be lit again soon. I created this work as a message that it is time for all Americans, including me, to realize the important legacy we will pass on to our children. Let's pray for the resurrection of America in the compassionate arms of Lady Liberty.