Name
Mandarin Daydreams by ANKA
Description
“Mom, I want to get a cat! I want to get a dog!”
As an adult, I tell my children it’s not a good idea to raise something alive unless you can take responsibility until the end.
“Mom, I want to make a snowman. When will it snow?”
It’s warmer here on Jeju Island than the rest of Korea. As an adult, I know this, but I fear I’m becoming increasingly out of reach as an adult. What does it mean to get in touch with your younger self? Did I ever like cats? Or did I just like just touching something warm, furry, and alive?
With these thoughts in my mind, I turn to my children and ask:
“Should we make it out of clay instead?”
[ANKA]
Minjung Kang (ANKA)
Embarking on an unconventional creative journey, Minjung Kang (ANKA) transitioned from a forced University degree to the pursuit of art, driven by a profound desire to express herself. As her skills grew and she began to navigate solo and group exhibitions around Korea, ANKA grappled with the pressure to assign meaning to her work. After seeing the dark and heavy metaphors of her peers, she recognized burnout and vowed to redefine her creative focus in more subtle, nuanced ways – which led to her move to Jeju Island. While there, she delved into the changes and imaginations of small elements in daily life, providing a respite from the complexities of existence. Now a parent of two, ANKA’s work has never been stronger, or better received. This exploration, reminiscent of childhood wishes and the imagination of solitude, is evident in a desire to showcase work that resonates quietly, avoiding the clamor of loud noise and heavy metaphors. Through her work, ANKA aims to capture moments akin to discovering a shy little romance at the table next door or experiencing a subtle commotion, emphasizing the great meaning found in fleeting moments—a testament to the joy in simplicity and humor.
Instagram: @ankahahaha
Produced by Orangehare.io