Hyunchae Shin
Symbolic conceptualism artist
Hyunchae is an artist who crafts her narrative using a rich tapestry of forms, colors, and images.
She pours her vitality into her work, filling the lonely expanses of time with the breath of life captured on canvas. Through this process, she contemplates whether her limitations due to her disability might, paradoxically, be the very impetus that drives her to create. Shin identifies not as a person with a severe disability but as a person rich in diversity.
Hyunchae yearns to break free from all constraints defined by her disability, aspiring to live vigorously and joyously as she does now. She desires to walk alongside a world that understands and celebrates values of diversity and inclusivity. Furthermore, she wishes to contribute to society, offering support to those in need.
Celebrating MLK Day
Exhibitions
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1 solo exhibition
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60 group exhibitions
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25 art fairs
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1 biennale (Cheongju Craft Biennale 2023)
Awards and recognitions
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1st place, Art Brut Competition by Kookmin Ilbo
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‘Draw a Dream’ grand prize winner, JW Art Award, JW Academic Welfare Foundation
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And many others (total of 15 awards)
Link
Martin Luther King Sees Light and Love
26” W x 21” H | Acrylic on canvas | 2023
"Martin Luther King Sees Light and Love" is Hyunchae’s contribution in celebration of 2024 MLK Day. The artwork reflects MLK's statement, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
The piece features two portrayals of MLK: the one on the left symbolizes light, while the one on the right symbolizes love. The footprints and swirling patterns on the "light" face represent MLK's ongoing journey towards a world without discrimination. The birds and butterfly patterns on the "love" face symbolize MLK's dream coming true.
The vines in MLK's hair and in the background symbolize harmony among people, representing MLK's wish for "a day when all people are judged by their character, not the color of their skin." The leaves in the shape of human hands around the perimeter symbolize humanity coexisting in harmony. The Livingstone daisies, black plum blossoms, and larkspurs represent peace, equality, and freedom respectively—values that MLK fought for. The olive tree and holly tree patterns on MLK's forehead commemorate his inspiration to lead non-violent peace marches.
Finally, the artist embroidered MLK’s clothes with his initials. A cross was then drawn in the center to represent all of MLK's prayers to God. A strand of vines is wrapped around the cross, representing his hopes and dreams. The phrase "I HAVE A DREAM" written around the cross encapsulates the essence of this artwork.
Celebrating Independence Day
My Liberty
73cm W x 51cm H | Pen on paper canvas | 2024
My Liberty - Detailed image
Artist's description of the artwork
This painting serves as a self-portrait, showcasing the myriad of thoughts, emotions, and circumstances that I navigate through daily. It is a visual diary, where each symbol reflects a part of my inner world.
Joy and optimism are depicted as radiant sunflowers and an ascending rocket, capturing my inherently positive nature and spirit. The loneliness and sorrow I feel are manifested in the forms of sea creatures and a solitary boat, with a sea snake shedding tears symbolizing my yearning for companionship. My state of confusion is represented by avian and chiropteran figures, perched on a tree or adrift with balloons, symbolizing my search for self-identity.
The drill and the dinosaurs signify my resolve to confront and overcome the challenges that loom ahead, with the determined ceratopsians emphasizing my readiness to advance despite obstacles. The elephant highlights the complexities of articulating my dense thicket of thoughts.
Musical notes weave throughout, representing a recent composition of mine titled "The Waiting," a melody of anticipation. In one corner, a poem - a verbal self-portrait - spells out the current turmoil of my soul.
I often grapple with a deep sense of solitude and an enduring quest for self amidst a world where I sometimes struggle to find my place, be it among those with or without disabilities. Ultimately, this artwork is a reconnection with my purest self, reminiscent of my early days of drawing, where in confronting myself, I face both my present and my envisioned future.
Other representative artworks by the artist
