Page 19 - 강명자 작가 (1968-2021) 화집

green, pink and magenta. In this space, the artist paints delicate images captured in the flower field or creates the harmony
of the flowers and the pot. The paintings in this series are works in which various kinds of flowers on ramie fabric pieces

embody the longing for her mother by stitching techniques and the technique of Korean traditional coloring. Particularly,
this series exhibits the artist’s desire to accommodate a simple and modest life of the grassroots in her paintings.

Lastly, the <Mixed Media> series employs metal plates such as copper or brass in the background. This series combines

various techniques that the artist has previously pioneered with the corroding or sparkling properties of metal. By doing
this, the work becomes more modern, creating more contemporary vibes and the 21st century material culture meets
nature. In the case of the works <Nostalgia 1~2>, these characteristics are well evident. A flower garden or a vase painted
through elaborate brushstrokes is harmoniously set on a naturally corroded metal foundation.

I would like to discuss the common aesthetics of these four series. First of all, there is a beautiful color scheme. The colors
used by the artist have been captured in nature, but the elegant and sensational five colors from the Korean traditional art
are beautifully unfolded on the screen, accompanied by a subtle sensibility. Secondly, the aesthetics of smooth curves are

alive in her works. The harmony of the feminine and ample, natural and fresh curves of flowers, women, and pots captures
our attention. It is not excessive but creates a soft and lyrical harmony. It is an aesthetic that shows motherhood, reinforcing
humanity and femininity. Thirdly, there is a harmony among the painted image, the blank space, and the space where
objects are placed. The artist emphasizes visual comfort by harmoniously setting the space where pots or abundant flowers

are painted and the space as the background, and she builds on delicate details in that harmony.

In conclusion, based on the artist's childhood memories, the works convey the feelings of a woman in boudoir who wishes
for ‘splendor wealth and honor’ ‘peace’, ‘prosperity’, and ‘longevity’ in the canvas. The precious pieces of memories from the

artist's childhood are aging as the years go by, adding a savory flavor to the porcelain. Then, what is the message that the
artist would like to convey through some of these styles? Perhaps it is a bold remark against modern material civilization. It
is the rest, comfort, and a visual healing for the busy modern people. It is the images of the hometown unfolded in nostalgia
that captures the spiritually rich childhood, and it is also the aesthetic completion of art that gives visual abundance to the

struggling contemporary people.

June 2021

Kiwoong Park(Ph.D. of Fine Arts, Former Professor of Hongik University)

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