Title: Bookshelf Series I (Triptych)
Life in Korea (Left), Discovering America (Center), Life in America (Right)
Art Created: 2025
Medium: Colored Pencils and Acrylic Markers on Paper
Size: 18"x24" (3) 
 
Description:
Bookshelf Painting (책거리: Chaeckgeori) (Check-Go-ri) is a genre of still-life painting found in Minhwa. It typically paints a collection of books, stationery and other daily objects in a visually appealing way.
 
In my Bookshelf Series 1, I painted objects that symbolize my memories and the things that are (and were) important to me during certain periods of time. These are a series of self portraits in still-life form. 
 
Bookshelf Series 1 - Life in Korea, This panel depicts my life in Korea, mostly my 20s. I cared about how I looked, discovering new interests, studying architecture, and enjoying Seoul’s night life.
 
Bookshelf Series 1 - Discovering America, This panel articulates a time of discovery and also confusion. I felt like I was not American enough to fit in and at the same time losing touch with my Korean side. As the two different cultures clashed within me I found comfort in Art, Theatre, Music, Pop Culture, Sports and new traditions.
 
Bookshelf Series 1 - Life in America, Here I am embracing my life as a Korean and an American. Who I am has changed profoundly from who I was. I see the objects around me as a celebration of being a mother of two kids and maintaining my career as an artist. I look to the future with happiness and hope, because I am at peace with who I am.