B.1997, Born in Korea
Lives and works in Seoul, South Korea
Yejin Oh explores the profound themes of human identity, the inner self, and the essence of life through her evocative paintings. Her practice is deeply intertwined with her personal struggles with mental illness, particularly anxiety and obsession, which she navigates through a compulsive method of layering paint. This technique allows her to capture the intricate complexity of the self while expressing her desire to transcend these challenges.
Blue, a recurring hue in Oh’s work, plays a critical role in her exploration. Traditionally associated with calm and serenity, blue also conveys feelings of unease and melancholy, reflecting the duality of human emotions. Yejin believes that everyone harbors these ambivalent feelings, and by translating the invisible blue of the inner self onto the canvas, she brings these emotions to the surface, making them tangible.
Through her work, Oh reveals and sometimes conceals the hidden aspects of existence, transforming painting into a crucial tool for healing and a means of discovering a reason to live. Her art invites viewers to engage with their own emotions, fostering a deeper understanding of the shared human experience.