'What are you holding with your hands? ' , 2024 , Digital Photography, 40 X 50 cm

​

During my visit to my hometown of Incheon, South Korea, in 2024, I spent ample time with my niece, exploring her collection of children’s toys and objects. This performative portrait captures my younger sister, Tae Jung, using her daughter’s toys, reflecting changing ideals and traditional norms. It evokes memories of typical young girl role-playing during childhood while contemplating gender stereotypes. The image serves as a critique of gender-based stereotypes in Korea’s current cultural landscape and challenges future selves and communities. By delving into notions of femininity in contemporary settings and questioning patriarchal ideals, I aim to offer alternatives to historical portrayals of women.