Master of Fine Arts Thesis Defense by Jungin Chang
Abstract:
My thesis explores the shifting identities of contemporary Korean women through a series of satirical, emotionally charged illustrations that blend personal narrative and perspective. Using humor, kitsch, and grotesque aesthetics, my work satirizes beauty standards, maternal roles, and the pressures of consumer culture in South Korea. The illustrations often incorporate collage techniques and maximalist storytelling to evoke intimacy and nostalgia that women in their thirties share. By incorporating culturally specific portmanteau terms, the project highlights the unique challenges faced by Korean mothers as they grapple with feelings of inferiority, often turning their children into trophies, symbols of their desired success. Through this lens, this series presents my reflection on the identity, societal status, and resilience of modern women.
Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition: Ignition Space, Fall River, MA