My Survival in this society
Printed book, drawings by pencil and ink pen, creative writings
SHIN Min Young Olivia 申旼泳
2020 BAS New Media graduate
Abstract
Some of the paintings are my actual personal stories, some of the paintings are the captures of my emotions and some of the paintings are my personal perspectives. These paintings are personal, but may also be social art because most of the Korean women have also experienced them.
Artist Statement
“How many moments have I been the first? Am I hoping too much? Actually, I don’t need to be the first, but at least I wish we are equal” It is one of the thoughts that had while I was working on this project. I always felt smothered in Korean society and forced to fit into the form that the society wants. I fell into a lot of thoughts and wanted to work based on my stories.
The ’90s of Korea was a time of son preference prevailed. Also, it was the worst era of widespread gender discrimination. The Korean culture was profoundly rooted in Confucian ideas, and it had forced Korean women to marry and give birth.
Especially in the Korean dramas of the 90s, Korean women used honorifics to their husbands. Also, there were many scenes on TV that women would be kicked out of the house if they could not have a son.
However, as time goes by, the Korean women, who were passive, have begun to speak out, but gender discrimination and sexual abuse have remained.
Born and being raised in such an era, I have experienced sexual discrimination in my life and my family wants me to be a good woman, but I don’t know what that even means.
Some of the paintings are my actual personal stories, some of the paintings are the captures of my emotions and some of the paintings are my personal perspectives. These paintings are personal, but may also be social art because most of the Korean women have also experienced them.
What I want to express is not that women should be treated better than men. I want to express those women should not be abused or discriminated against because of their gender. With my feminist perspective, I wish my drawings help people to change their awareness. Moreover, I hope these digital formats expanded paintings will be an ointment to the wounded women.
