The Story of Succulents Girl
“At the end of 2024, Seungeun Suh's book will be available. In this section of the Journal, you will find exclusive stories and interviews with our artists. Don't miss out on the exciting first article: 'The Story of Succulents Girl'!"
Since my childhood, I have always engaged in a form of art where I paint on various mediums, particularly Korean paper. Hanji, a traditional Korean paper, with its numerous layers, resembles to me layers of the universe. The watercolors and Chinese ink I use in my paintings also seem to seep into my soul.
The most captivating aspect of Korean paintings lies in the subtle colors that emerge almost serendipitously, shaped by countless variables and blendings on the paper. I merge this technique with a theme of fantasy and dreams to evoke my own philosophical and emotional characteristics. Through this approach, I aim to encourage viewers to connect more deeply with their own emotions.
Since my first college graduation, I've identified as an 'artist girl'. This 'girl' often dominates a significant portion of my compositions. However, the small size of the objects—animals, insects, plants, and abstract figures—alongside the paper itself, encapsulate ideas and philosophies far grander than the depicted girls. They embody the very essence of the artwork.
My contemplations about the heart carry profound significance, serving as the fundamental philosophy of my life. The concept of a 'succulent plant girl' emerged from this same philosophical foundation. Observing the resilience of succulent plants thriving in my workshop touched me deeply. Their endurance in such a harsh environment, maintaining their verdant hue for extended periods, was truly admirable. Witnessing a plant bloom in an environment seemingly adverse to such growth was inspiring.
Thus, I imbued patience, resilience, and the birth of new hope through these succulent plants, infusing these qualities into the girls depicted in my paintings—particularly those portraying internal struggles or depression. This fusion created a unique amalgamation of two species: the succulent plant and the human girl.
This symbiosis fostered strength in the girl's heart, transforming the succulent girl into an increasingly enigmatic and resilient figure. She may exist as a character within a fairy tale or represent the purity of childhood in reality. She embodies a special existence, one imbued with wisdom and enduring for centuries. Each succulent plant I depict brims with pure, intense hope, aimed at reflection and healing the wounds inflicted by nature.
The collective presence of these elements evokes a dreamlike atmosphere. My intention is to stir and awaken the pure emotions deep within the viewers' hearts, fostering enlightenment and catalyzing positive change to make the world more wholesome and compassionate.
Perhaps these narratives can communicate with each other simply through the clear gaze of the girl in my artwork. The emotion emanating from her eyes is my own, infused into my work. I hope viewers can perceive it with their eyes and hearts, experiencing the same warm sense of hope that I do.
My ultimate goal is to convey, through my succulent 'plant girl', a vision of unity where all people come together to build a better world. If humanity could thrive in its environment akin to a robust succulent plant flourishing in adversity yet maintaining its vitality, I envision a brighter future and a more mature society marked by positive evolution and cultural enrichment.
