Artist Statement:

Art has always been more than just a creative outlet for me; it has been a lifeline. Growing up, I experienced a household marked by dysfunction, where my parents’ strained relationship cast a long shadow over my childhood. Despite knowing their relationship was troubled, they stayed together out of a shared sense of duty to my sibling and me. This environment left me with emotions I couldn’t articulate and memories I didn’t know how to confront. For years, I carried the weight of their decision, unsure how to process it or move forward. 

Art has become my sanctuary—a space where I can explore the suppressed feelings and unspoken truths of my upbringing. The process of creating art allows me to translate my pain into something tangible, giving me a new perspective on experiences I had buried deep inside. Each piece I create begins with a theme tied to my family trauma, which I explore through symbolism—from animals to cultural and religious imagery—to communicate complex emotions. Through these works, I’ve been able to confront my past not as something to resent but as something to understand and accept. The act of composing each piece—from brainstorming with bubble maps to refining ideas through thumbnail sketches—became a form of therapy. It allowed me to process the lingering effects of my childhood on my mental health, my relationships, and even my academic journey. I’ve struggled with comparing myself to peers who seem to thrive effortlessly, but through art, I’ve found a way to embrace my own path, flaws and all. 

What drives me most is the possibility that my work can resonate with others. I hope that by sharing my story and transforming my pain into something meaningful, I can create a space for others to reflect on their own struggles. Art has taught me that even the most difficult experiences can be reframed, understood, and, ultimately, accepted. This journey has shaped not only who I am as an artist but also who I am as a person. Without art, my story would remain incomplete, but through it, I’ve found a voice and a purpose that continues to guide me forward.

- Haeny Lee