11/15/2013

PIG IN THE MOUNTAINS


I am a pig in the mountains.

A creature like you doesn't belong here.
I am a pig in the mountains.
Don't squeal at me you filthy animal.
I am a pig in the mountains.
You will never be a part of us.
I am a pig in the mountains.
Go back where you came from.

But I am a pig from the mountains.


I was 4 years old when my family moved to the Czech Republic from Korea.  Every corner of this land was magical.  But living in this fantasy place came with a consequence when you had a different skin color. 

Admitting my past of being discriminated and bullied was something I have been ashamed of, thinking it would make me 'uncool,' but I discovered how the painful memories could contribute to the maturation of my creativity.

A pastiche to artist Edward Ruscha's paintings, some viewers may be confused and even find it upsetting to see the word PIG placed in front of the mountain landscape.  And that is, in a sense, exactly how I want the viewers to feel. 

Why can't a pig be in the mountains? 
Is it that hard to accept a pig in the mountains?