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An Artistic Journey Rooted in Trauma
Kim Ryeong Ah, a contemporary artist, often reflects on her childhood experiences of frequent moves. For her, the concept of a “room” was never just a safe haven; instead, it felt unfamiliar, unsettling, and even frightening. Despite being filled with familiar belongings, each new room carried an air of discomfort and fear. These experiences left a deep emotional imprint on her, becoming a recurring theme in her work. In her art, the “room” transforms into more than just a physical space—it becomes a symbolic representation of inner anxiety and fragmented memories.
Curious about Kim Ryeong Ah’s surrealist artworks that transform childhood memories and inner anxieties into art?
NEOILLUSION: A Unique World by Kim Ryeong Ah
To define her artistic vision, Kim Ryeong Ah created the concept of NEOILLUSION. This term combines Illusion (fantasy), Utopia (ideal world), and Hallucination (distorted perception) to encapsulate her exploration of the boundaries between reality and imagination. NEOILLUSION is not merely about crafting fantastical images; it represents her philosophy of healing inner anxieties and childhood traumas while creating an ideal utopia. This concept serves as the cornerstone of her entire body of work, making it uniquely hers.
Acrylic on canvas (2020)
72.7 X 53 cm2 cm
Objects as Tools for Healing
To cope with childhood trauma, Kim Ryeong Ah turned to collecting items like dolls, storybooks, and stickers—things that brought her comfort and emotional relief. These objects provided her with a sense of psychological stability and allowed her to momentarily escape the anxieties of reality. Over time, these items became significant elements in her artwork, serving as tools to visually express emotions and memories. By distorting the shapes of objects or placing them in unexpected settings, she evokes feelings of estrangement and uniqueness in viewers—a hallmark of her artistic style.
Surreal Imagery and Utopia: Healing Trauma Through Art
Kim Ryeong Ah’s work often features layers of unconscious drawings, intentional colors, and overlapping scenes that culminate in surreal imagery. These visuals construct her personal utopia—a space not just of idealism but also of healing from childhood trauma and inner fears. Her utopia invites viewers to experience peculiar emotions and unleash their imaginations while navigating the boundary between reality and fantasy.
Acrylic on canvas (2024)
116.8 X 91 cm
A Vision Shaped by Memories, Emotions, and Childhood Trauma
Ultimately, Kim Ryeong Ah’s art transcends personal memories and emotions to evoke universal healing and empathy. She weaves fragments of hidden memories and scattered emotions into cohesive scenes that become more than mere images—they act as gateways to another world. These scenes offer viewers a serene refuge and a space for boundless imagination.
In her work, utopia becomes a sanctuary that embraces wounded hearts while offering peace and freedom. Through her unique voice in contemporary art, Kim Ryeong Ah invites audiences to reflect on their inner worlds and discover new sources of inspiration.
Acrylic on canvas (2021)
25 X 34 cm
What did you think about exploring Kim Ryeong Ah’s NEOILLUSION?
Did it bring back memories or emotions from your own childhood?
If you’d like to dive deeper into her artistic world, feel free to visit her profile page or check out her Instagram account. Join her artistic journey and experience the captivating allure of NEOILLUSION!
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