The theme of my work revolves around something familiar to all of us, the playing card.
Using cards as a medium, I draw out my inner self and transfer it onto the canvas.
Though simple in appearance, each symbol in a deck of poker cards carries its own meaning. For instance, hearts represent clergy, spades symbolize the sword of soldiers, diamonds stand for merchants, and clubs (clovers) signify the clubs used by peasants. Among them, the uniquely shaped joker represents a special being one that transcends all social classes, versatile and unbound.
This has always been true throughout history, but in the present day, we continue to face countless dilemmas where political power, morality, and nature remain in constant tension. Beyond such examples, we encounter many situations in which it is difficult to say what is truly right or wrong.
Even in our ordinary lives, people are constantly making choices, whether this or that, and although we understand that these decisions can change our lives, we are inevitably bound to keep choosing as we move forward.
In truth, I did not begin with the intention of assigning meaning to every element of my work from the start. Through a process of mind mapping various ideas, I became absorbed in the thought of embedding the endless cycle of human life—like a squirrel running endlessly in a wheel—into a small deck of cards. As I completed each piece, the meanings became more urgent and deeply felt.
Many people may associate “cards” with negative or speculative gambling culture. However, I hope that viewers of my work can look beyond that perception and instead see the trials, anguish, desires, fears, and even the hope that I strive to embrace within these cards. With this intention, I move the brush of my youth across small canvases.
Everyone desires success and a peaceful life.
The word “success” can only be achieved through dreams, challenges, and passion.
We all strive tirelessly to reach the top, yet perhaps the reason many fail is because they give up just before that final step. In this world, possessing mere “skill” alone is not enough to reach the heights we seek. When one embraces passion and takes on challenges, they are already standing at the threshold of success.
Beyond skill and effort, what is required is the ability to respond appropriately to society—the capacity to recognize one’s own hidden cards, and to transform even the most ordinary cards into one’s own golden cards that captivate others.
Among the countless ordinary things in this world—things as common as light and salt—what matters is presenting something that can make oneself shine, choosing what can bring one even a step closer to success. Everyone longs to possess such ability, yet this very desire can lead to confusion and darkness. Misusing a joker blinded by desire may bring both joy and tragedy.
A single card that can lead us to the threshold of success is watching us even at this very moment yet perhaps I, in my own dullness, fail to see it.
The ideas contained within my cards felt too vast to be confined within a small rectangular canvas. The fixed symbolic patterns seemed to suppress the boundless nature of art and evoke a sense of constraint. Thus, beyond brushwork on the canvas, I sought to expand into a broader expressive space allowing viewers to perceive new meanings through spatial composition. The cards are depicted larger than their actual size, filling the canvas to create a sense of immersion.
From the moment we are born into this world, we stand at the crossroads of choice. The responsibility for those choices ultimately belongs to ourselves. We must remember that the world demands a sense of noblesse oblige, a moral responsibility toward society.
Now, the question remains:
Which card will you choose to hold in your hand?
