Seolee Yoo

Spring 1, 2021

Acrylic on canvas
20x24

Spring 2, 2021

Acrylic on canvas
14x10
8x10

Chasing a Dream 1, 2021

Acrylic on canvas

Chasing a Dream 2, 2021

Acrylic on canvas
20x24

Chasing a Dream 3, 2021

Acrylic on canvas
20x24

Artist Statement

Through my artwork I explore and depict my fond childhood memories with my family, especially my grandfather. The reason why I chose this theme is because I had a very hard time last year after my grandfather’s funeral. So, I decided to paint and express  my thoughts and emotional message to my grandfather who I really admire and respect as a family member or as a person who was a painter when he was alive.  Being an international student, I have to acclimate to a new culture in a foreign country without my family. This experience was very chaotic and often I have felt lonely. For this reason, I decided to express my emotions and thoughts through colors and texture. This has been a good experience because when I paint I can meditate myself seeing all the colors and thinking about all old memories and at the same time I can feel warm. Through these non-figurative, abstract paintings, I want to share these same emotions with the viewer. I sometimes feel difficult to explain memories since some think it is too personal. However, it is easier to depict one’s personal story and struggles through artwork. I feel   so much pressure to put all the emotions or memories in one painting without any figurative form or any other subject. I mainly paint flowers in different styles because my grandfather loved nature and liked gardening in his backyard. His previous artworks all relate to nature and flowers so, when I see the flower It reminds me of my grandfather and his personality. Each painting has different emotions and thoughts and at same time throughout  the dripping texture shows how I struggle with the sadness and all the negative emotions and trying to keep all positive emotions or memories.