Reflection

My goal was to portray the beauty of nature through the lens of Korean tradition. During my research, I discovered the rich history of haenyeo, the female divers of Korea. Often referred to as the mermaids or guardians of the Korean sea, haenyeo embodies strength, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. They were the perfect symbol for this year's theme. Throughout the creative process, I focused on expressing Korea's historical identity. It is often difficult to showcase the actual image of my country in international art contests, so I wanted to use this opportunity to represent Korea and its unique relationship with nature. By contrasting traditional marine culture with modern society, I raise the question: Is modern life truly happier? Through the image of a child playing, I also reflect on the disappearing freedoms of childhood in an increasingly developed world. I chose charcoal as my medium because acrylic paint didn't fully convey the atmosphere; I wanted the tension between past and present, tradition and modernity. Charcoal's raw, monochromatic quality brings a strong emotional tone to the piece. I've frequently used charcoal for observation drawings, and it effectively expresses depth and texture.