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Illustration by Solha Park
The Scent of Flowers (Kkot Neh Uhm 꽃내음) “Kkot Neh Uhm” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “the scent of flowers”. Standing at the entrance gate into a new world. The transition from a Korean society to a western (Canadian – Ontario) society with the representative flower of each culture.
Illustration by Solha Park
“Our” Bed (Ddi At 띠앗) Ddi At is the Korean pure expression meaning, “the friendship and relationship between siblings”. This piece shows two sisters in their childhood bedroom and bunkbed that they shared. The two levels of the bunk show the difference in their personality and style, but they are still able to have a close relationship.
Illustration by Solha Park
Name (Ireum 이름) “Ireum” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “a name”. Names from different languages and cultures are symbolically illustrated with elements often seen in min-hwa (Korean traditional folk-art) on a Korean han-ok doorframe, reminiscent of an attendance sheet.
Illustration by Solha Park
Glimmer (Yoon Seul 윤슬) “Yoon Seul” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “the reflection of sunlight or moonlight reflected on ripples of water”. A commemorates for the Sewol ferry accident that happened in South Korea in 2014. The light reflections are on a rice cake soup meant to be eaten on the first day of the Lunar New year to “gain a year of age”. The soup is prepared for the students who passed in the accident, no longer growing in age. The mother-of-pearl embellished tray is patterned with chrysanthemums, flowers that symbolize grief and lamentation in Korea.
Illustration by Solha Park
First Snow (Cheot Noon 첫눈) “Cheot Noon” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “the first fall of snow of the year”. The first experience of heavy snowfall after immigrating to Canada through the exaggerated lens of childhood imagination. The baek-ho (white tiger) spirit in the snow mountain the winter season.
Illustration by Solha Park
Sweet Sleep (Dan Jam 단잠) “Dan Jam” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “a sweet un-interrupted/un-disturbed sleep”. A mother who embraces the child and lulls them to a sweet sleep, unaware of the harsh reality of the world.
Illustration by Solha Park
Home Pillar (Gi Doong 기둥) “Gi Doong” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “the support structure (column) of a building, or metaphorically the support of a social group.” The role of the father in the immigrant household, acting as the supporting structure that the home/family leans on, providing a safe space.
Illustration by Solha Park
The Great (Ma Lu Han 마루한) “Ma Lu Han” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “to be the greatest/ to be great”. Imagery of an Ilwalobongbyeong (일월오봉도), the folding screen behind the King’s throng in the Joseon Dynasty, represents the strength and prestige of the royal family. The journey of climbing up the mountain to reach the place of “greatness”.
Illustration by Solha Park
After Party (Mo Go Ji 모꼬지) “Mo Go Ji” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “a party/gathering of people.” Friends Gather at a house party after their prom, playing games, eating, and getting comfortable still in their party attire.
Illustration by Solha Park
Memory (Aseul Ah-ee 아스라이) “Aseul Ah-ee” is the Korean pure expression meaning, “to be far away to not able to be seen clearly/remembered clearly”. A traditional Korean jewelry box holding objects that are tied to memories and experiences that were made from my childhood back in Korea.

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