The type of dream that I felt inspired to portray was a dream about my personal desire. My dream is to be able to go back in time, and to re-do/relive my life. My collage tells a story about some of the things that I grew up with; starting from childhood to adolescence, to adulthood. Within these different stages in life, I’ve felt the presence of certain emotions more strongly than other times, and I also wanted to portray these different conflicts as well. However, in the end, there is calamity, and freedom in life, and my dream is to be able to pursue that freedom all over again. Thus, the single feather in center that almost seems to be illuminated by the white edge that has been cut around the black and white image.
Hi Jinju, I am really excited by this collage! There is so much going on here within it! Thank you also for your writing that helps contextualize this for me! I can tell that all the things you put in your collage hold personal meaning for you.
This past year has really upended all the things we imaged might happen as we look forward, so I am really interested in how you interpreted the dream prompt. It seems like this year has been one of reflection for you. When often think about a dream, I think about the future. But here you are considering the past, or a desire to re-live or dwell in your past experiences. I don’t get a sense that you are frustrated about the way your life has turned out for you, but rather that there are special moments you want to hold onto and keep alive. I think this is really special and beautiful.
I also am struck by the giant 2002 at the center of your collage. Is that perhaps your birth year? The two “00”s and the center remind me of eyes. I almost wonder if you were to cut out those shapes and transform this drawing into a mask. It would be a way of looking through your past into the present and future. This might sound like a crazy idea, but the 2002 somehow reminded me of silly glasses that I wore that year on new years eve in the shape of “2002!”
I am looking forward to your translation drawing copy next week. You might have to take some liberties when “copying” this collage. Think about what extra things you might add or what you might simplify as you create the drawing. As the artist, you have creative control!