Edition Size: 50
15 x 18 Inches
Archival Pigment Print on 290gsm Moab Fine Art Paper
"This piece, titled "The Rite of Spring", was a part of my solo show "Mago" at Spoke Art in San Francisco, back in 2017. I had a running theme of Korean mythology that juxtaposed with my thoughts about current world and my personal observations of its relationship to motherhood.
I really delve deep into Korean mythology and shamanistic folk culture with this piece. All the motifs on the shaman's clothes represent a lot of the ancient folk philosophy and outlook. Most of it is well wishing for long, prosperous, worry-free life, similar to what mothers (and fathers) would wish for their children.
This piece was especially inspired by Korean shamans, called mudang, or manshin. The central figure is wearing one of many shamanistic ritual garbs, used to call upon spirits to answer our questions. They were channels through which lay people could ask the heavens about their plights and worries, and seek comfort. However, they were also one of the most exploited and persecuted people in Korean history. Something about that reminded me of womanhood in general and motherhood as well." - Stella Im Hultberg
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