Jaewook Lim

My paintings explore the themes of 'queerness' and 'masculinity,' examining how these concepts are consumed in everyday life. This body of work reflects my own experiences of concealing my sexual identity behind the construct of masculinity. Through symbolism, I emphasize male identity by drawing parallels between masculinity and the branding and identity of commercial products. 

When a piece containing the artist's personal narrative, framed within an object considered to be part of a private space, meets the audience, it ceases to be private and assumes a public character. The secretive stories that the artist had wished to keep hidden behind closed doors are displayed as if on a stage, with the door now open. These stories transform from secrets into public facts, and the artist's inner world becomes externalized. I liken this process to metamorphosis, reflecting my personal goal to evolve into a more mature being through my work.

UK