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Youn Yeoreum: Colors and Perspectives That Capture the Temperature of Life
Youn Yeoreum creates art that expresses emotions and experiences from life. Many of her works are based on the idea of “masks” or personas we wear in society. At first, her focus was on images created by social expectations, especially regarding femininity and defensive attitudes. However, her more recent works have shifted toward a more positive and personal view of herself.
A lot of her artwork features a blue background. This color represents the depth of emotions and the inner self. But on top of this, warm colors like yellow emerge, creating balance. The artwork carries a subtle yet strong message that is both dark and hopeful.
Oil on canvas (2024)
162.2 X 130.3 cm
Another Self Encountered When We See Others
A key theme in Youn Yeoreum’s work is identity. We all live with many roles and expectations from society, which can sometimes create distance from our true selves. This gap, along with the confusion and conflict it brings, is what she explores on the canvas.
In her early works, the image of femininity created by external views was central. Faces, poses, and gestures shaped by social expectations appeared. At first glance, these works might seem to simply explore beauty or describe a subject, but deeper meanings about relationships with others and self-awareness are embedded in them.
As time went on, Youn Yeoreum realized that trying to define others in her own way was, in fact, projecting another version of herself. When we fail to acknowledge others and try to fit them into our standards, real communication is broken, and emptiness takes its place. This emptiness leads to self-reflection, where she began to see life differently. This change had a significant impact on her artistic direction.
Earlier, she focused on analyzing societal masks (personas) and the distorted self they created. But now, her works reflect a shift towards facing the true self without the masks. She has moved away from focusing on others’ views and instead now focuses more on her own emotions and experiences.
Oil on canvas (2025)
130.3 X 162.2 cm
Depth of Emotion Through Color
Youn Yeoreum’s art doesn’t aim to depict specific people or events. Instead, she visually translates inner emotions and states of mind. While reconstructed nature scenes or urban structures appear, they all connect deeply to her inner landscape.
Her use of color stands out. Blue is not just a background; it reveals emotional depth. On top of this, warm colors like yellow and red represent healing and hope. The layers of emotions in each piece pull you in, inviting you to linger longer.
A New Perspective on Life
One of the most noticeable changes in Youn Yeoreum’s recent work is her approach to life itself. She no longer avoids pain and confusion but seeks meaning in them. Light now shines through her work, and emotional textures have become softer.
This change isn’t just about the atmosphere or colors in her artwork. It also reflects a shift in how she views life. Instead of adjusting herself to fit others’ expectations, she now accepts her emotions and thoughts as they are. This process is clearly mirrored in her art.
Oil on canvas (2021)
130.3 X 162.2 cm
Moving Beyond Understanding in Relationships
Through her art, Youn Yeoreum also asks, “How should we view others?” In the past, she tried to define others rather than truly understand them. Over time, her perspective has shifted.
She now sees others not as separate from herself, but as a mirror reflecting another version of her. This shift makes her approach to relationships in her work more open and flexible. It signals more than a change in how she views others; it suggests reconciliation with her own inner self.
Fragments of Life Captured on Canvas
Youn Yeoreum’s work doesn’t directly depict specific stories or events. Instead, it gives the impression of scattered emotional fragments. Elements of nature, urban structures, and abstract shapes coexist, creating a rhythmic composition.
These elements are visual reassemblies of the artist’s memories, emotions, and perceptions. Even without specific explanations, you can feel the emotion in the work because her message is clear through her art.
A New Way of Looking at Our Lives Through the Artist’s Eyes
Youn Yeoreum’s art isn’t easy to define by one emotion or meaning. This makes it more genuine and deeper. Her works, filled with complex emotions and life’s many layers, invite viewers to reflect on their own inner world. She doesn’t shy away from pain and confusion but rather tries to find the small, warm beauty hidden within them. Following her perspective, we too start to view ourselves with more kindness. This might be the most important message her work delivers.
If you’re curious about more of her works and stories, visit her website or check out her Instagram.
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