Deep within my nature lies a restless impulse, a perpetual urge to seek out the unknown and move toward new horizons.
Over time, this instinct has shaped my identity, making "nomadism" not merely a theme, but the defining vocabulary of my existence—a continuous expansion of a life lived as an ongoing journey.
Though I stepped into the art world immediately upon graduation, I refused to remain stationary.
My twenties, like those of so many others, were defined by a fierce, searching intensity, lived on the move without ever fully putting down roots.
A decade later, a single soul who remembered my early creations breathed life back into my dormant practice, prompting me to paint once more.
Driven by a childhood nickname, Yeokmasal—the wanderer's spirit—I eagerly sought out any space willing to show my work.
Because opportunities were scarce, I traveled to the furthest corners of the country with my child in tow, embracing even the smallest exhibition as a sacred milestone.
Through this relentless movement, a profound truth revealed itself: an exhibition is never a solitary achievement.
It is a collective tapestry woven from the generous support of those around us, an endless collaborative process that constantly reshapes itself.
The quiet grief of the pandemic, during which I had to say goodbye to cherished loved ones, brought a stark realization that "tomorrow" is never guaranteed.
This fragility shifted the trajectory of my art toward the present, urging me to honor the current moment and enrich the time shared with those standing beside me today.
This solo exhibition, Nomadism, hosted at Jeju Gallery from July 2 to July 20, 2026, on the basement floor of the Insa Art Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is structured across three conceptual terrains.
It guides visitors through my first encounter with the island of Jeju, into an augmented reality space that visualizes the elements that have faded from the island, and finally into an intimate psychological sanctuary designed for looking inward at our own choices and hearts.
Rooted in the ancient Greek word nomos, meaning to graze or release into a pasture, nomadism represents a refusal to be bound by rigid dogmas, choosing instead to constantly seek out new dimensions of the self.
This summer, Jeju Gallery transforms into a transient oasis, a temporary destination for travelers passing through.
While the anchor of each person's heart will inevitably settle in a different place, it is my deepest hope that everyone who steps inside will pause, immerse themselves, and fully inhabit the atmosphere of this shared space.
