The soft pastel tones and delicate grace of Jiwoon Pak’s pictures lead us into a dream world. These images emit an aura that is both unique and fascinating. Floral and decorative, yet mysterious and melancholy, they suggest more than they show. Figures of children, eyes covered, are overlaid with ornamental flowers and leaves.

The Korean artist and illustrator is inspired by nature and memories of her childhood. Her digital paintings evoke the aesthetic effect of watercolours. The semi-transparent human figures appear to melt into their surroundings. This blending effect creates an impression of transience and lends the images a narrative flow. Nostalgic and yet unreal, her subjects serve an ambivalent symbolism that defies linear interpretation. Pak introduces references to traditional Korean art, but frees herself from a strict iconological reading.

With this memorable imagery, Pak succeeds in depicting complex, even contrasting emotions in an artistic style. The flat composition produces a distinctive Southeast Asian aesthetic, yet the atmospheric images also have a surreal quality. In recognition of the recurrent theme of the hidden face, as in the piece “Horizon”, we are reminded a little of René Magritte. As we look at these unique, poetic pieces, we long to immerse ourselves in the unfathomable depths of their meaning.

Daniela Kummle

1984	Born in Seoul, South Korea
2011-2013	Studied Visual Arts at the Art and Design School in Valenciennes, France
2013-Present	Lives and works as a freelance Illustrator in Seoul, South Korea

www.jiwoonpak.com/