Original artwork description:

Koo, Living in the Moment

When I was young, my parents owned a butcher shop. During that time, I saw a lot of butchered pig heads. In Korea, when one opens a new business, buys a new car, or starts a big new endeavor, it is tradition to have a celebration with a pig's head in the center, while money is put into the pig's mouth. The person then bows and prays for a good and comfortable life.
There is a belief that when one dreams of a pig, the next day one should buy a lottery ticket and put a lucky pig charm on their cellphone. The dream of a pig is a precursor to material wealth. This can be seen in Korean culture, as people can be seen with some ornament that is of a pig.
However, there is also another different connotation with the pig. The pig can also symbolize greed. We live in a world where money rules. The distinction between good and evil is blurred. We live in a world where philosophy has no place, and only material beauty matters. Sometimes people curse the rich for having more wealth, but are also envious of those people. In our competitive world, love and happiness are small things. In a race, one can run to win. But, you can't win away your loneliness.
While living in NYC, I experienced and observed many things. I have used the pig’s head on subjects and matters that I wanted to bring to creation. New York, to me, is the perfect place for me to express my message.
The bright colors and satiric images have been purposely used to create a light atmosphere. My works may come across as having a deep and critical tone with regards to the subject matter. However, rather than being seen as a condemnation, I hope that forgiveness and inspired thought can be realized from the viewer. Through my art, I hope to connect with not only New Yorkers, but everyone in the world. My hope is to provide solace to those that need it from their tiring and difficult lives through my works.

Materials used:

Acrylic on resin, Fiberglass