A Sojourner's Journey
Along my sojourning journey, I often wonder if there is any place with a sure ‘foundation’ beyond the differences in cultures. Experiencing physical sojourning and spiritual sojourning, I started drawing and painting with the shape of a square. This shape of a square represents a stone or a rock, and implies ‘a notion of a foundation’ because of its solid and stable features. The composition of the each imagery was inspired by Kimono design. Employing the design elements in each work conceptually, I depicted the various thoughts and experiences that a sojourner faces, and at the same time, I expressed the process of imagining and revealing this ‘place’ in my mind.
I am hoping that this series of work evokes the viewers’ awareness of other cultures and also engages the people who deal with similar issues as mine; I believe many people are sojourners in one way or another. More importantly, to me, this act of art making is an act of prayer and a process for consoling. By repeating the simple shape of a square over and over again, I want to remind myself of the existence of this place with a sure foundation and that my true citizenship belongs there.
I understand that this place does not exist in this three dimensional world. I also know that the reality of this place is far beyond my imagination. And yet, my sojourner’s journey will continue. I don’t know what my future holds. The one thing I know is wherever I go I will keep longing for this place deep in my mind - just like countless sojourners did in the past.