Created by Seong_Taejin, Title : Emotion : Universe and Five Peaks

Seong Taejin, often described as a proponent of “Jaemism,” derives from the Korean term “재미 (Jaemi),” which translates to the enjoyment of pleasure or fun, akin to the English word “fun.” In essence, Taejin emphasizes the importance of experiencing various joyful and amusing elements within his artworks. This piece epitomizes what Taejin refers to as ‘Jaemism.’ With a heart honoring the prosperity of the royal court of Obongdo and the nation, this painting depicts an image typically referred to as “일월오봉도 (Ilwol Obongdo),” representing the sun, moon, and five peaks of mountains, traditionally symbolizing the prosperity of East Asian emperors or kings. Taejin reimagines this concept as “우주 오봉도 (Universe Obongdo),” infusing familiar yet novel imagery. While Ilwol Obongdo symbolizes the entire cosmos, rendering it both contemporary and accurately understood, Taejin’s Universe Obongdo appears to carry not only grand aspirations for prosperity but also a sense of whimsy. Various characters, such as Venus, seem to be smiling mischievously, adding to the joviality of the scene. Taejin’s universe appears so vibrant and entertaining, offering a delightful spectacle. Moreover, hidden within the background are meticulously engraved Korean characters, inviting viewers to uncover their meanings and elicit laughter. The title of Taejin’s recent solo exhibition, “All My Days and Then,” suggests that perhaps Taejin’s universe is not merely about amusement but also about the most glorious songs of love and friendship, encompassing all my days and those moments, along with every imagination. The choice of wood carving (woodblock sculpture), a labor-intensive and challenging medium, by Taejin to create such entertaining artworks is particularly intriguing. Due to the nature of wood carving being time-consuming, the Art Token Digital Art Studio has rejuvenated Taejin’s works into digitally enhanced artworks, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the added fun.