Artist Statement

I have long been dedicated to creating paintings that explore the lyricism of life and the essence of existence by projecting human emotions onto the raw aesthetics of nature. Borrowing formative elements from the natural world—such as rocks, trees, grass, and flowers—I have developed a series of anthropomorphic characters known as "Stone People." These figures serve as self-portraits reflecting my own life and sentiments, while simultaneously functioning as mythical icons that transcend the limitations of human finitude.

The figures within my canvases are aggregates of the small, fragile entities we encounter in our daily surroundings: stones, blades of grass, and blossoms. Yet, they are seen sprinting vigorously toward unknown destinations, sharing moments of love, dancing, and repeating the cycle of blooming and withering. This is a metaphor for the ordinary yet resilient and beautiful trajectory of human life—a painterly embodiment of the vitality and emotional depth found in beings that might otherwise seem insignificant.

In my work, a stone is a being imbued with emotion; through the processes of breaking, softening, and hardening, it endures and transforms across time and circumstance. Much like a human life, this evolution leaves behind unique traces, colors, and patterns. Similarly, the grass and flowers represent the ever-circulating vitality of nature, acting as mediums that symbolize internal emotions, relationships, and the passage of time.

Through these symbolic forms, I pose questions about the transition of being, the exchange of emotions, and the fundamental nature of life. Ultimately, the "Stone People" are ourselves. I hope that through their stories, viewers find an opportunity to reflect upon their own lives and the depths of their own emotions.