“My creations represent those who choose to live separate from others, as if they are invisible or non-existent beings. Instead of adapting to human society, they enter their own personal space, avoiding the interruptions of others.”
Jinyoung’s vision, message, and skills were fully developed in 2008’s “House of Pretend.” In her solo exhibition at London’s Union Gallery, Jinyoung uses the microcosm of the family unit to represent society as a whole, scrutinizing the myriad ways people hide, using the concept of “home” as a metaphor for a place of escape. The show is both about revealing and hiding the truth.
Jin Yong further explained. “At the beginning of “Family in Disguise”, the transparent people just want to hide and have no choice but to greet the guests. The characters try to make themselves look ordinary, just like other happy families. They decorate, wear gorgeous clothes, and stand side by side to greet the guests. At first glance, it is a warm family, but you can’t help but feel the gloomy atmosphere. All conversations and greetings lack sincerity and authenticity, leaving everyone at the party in trouble. It shows the conflict caused by the lack of communication in family and society.”
My creations represent those who choose to live differently from others, as if they were invisible or non-existent beings.
By its very nature, the concept of invisibility raises a series of contradictions. The invisible person remains invisible to others, and the body itself is a barrier to others. Invisibility also brings varying degrees of freedom and power to the individual. What would you do if you were guaranteed anonymity? However, the advantages are also disadvantages. Those who cannot be seen can only exist alone, without companionship or comfort, without friends or enemies. Invisibility is both a freedom and a trap, ultimately proving the question: Is invisibility a blessing or a curse?
Jinyoung recognizes this paradox and contradiction, often letting the characters speak for themselves when trying to describe her characters’ inner turmoil.
“The transparent body means a perfect shield to hide itself anywhere, while the crying face represents a warning: ‘Don’t come near me!'” My character protects himself with his crying face, making it difficult for others to get close. They may burst into tears if others approach and comfort them. But it is also true that people cannot turn a blind eye to them after seeing their faces. The characters seem to be saying, “If you can comfort me with all your heart, come to me!” This is a warning and a rejection of those who try to help because they do not yet fully understand their situation. “
So how to make sense of all this? Is it better to keep shouting, or to hide in the corner and fake a weak smile? Is it better to wear your heart on your sleeve than wear a mask? As with any academic debate about identity, conformity, or individualism, it’s difficult to come up with a defensible argument one way or another. All I know is that when I looked at one of Kim Yong-ok’s Invisible Men, I thought they looked familiar. I see. I understand because I know them as well as I know myself.
Jinyoung’s work is designed for the loners in all of us, for those who are outside the world; those who find comfort in their own private space but long to reveal their true selves: a self free of lies and fraudulent pretensions. As stunning as her work is, and as dedicated an artist as she is, the true purpose of Jinyoung’s Invisible Man lies in the instinctive pursuit of finding and celebrating the authentic individuality that lurks within each of us.
When I asked Jinyoung how she expresses her personality, her answer was firm and pure. “I express my thoughts and opinions through my works. I think this is enough. I like ordinary. No matter where I go or who I meet, I just want to look ordinary. I hope that I can mingle with other people, not too gorgeous, not too shabby. I believe that if a person thinks, behaves, and expresses in his own way, which is a new way, then his life will be more colorful and there will be more things to enjoy.”*
Junyoung You are the final feature in High Fructose Featured Edition #3. Support our work and get a print subscription to High Fructose here.
