Exhibition Proposal: Secret Underwater Gardens
"Secret Underwater Gardens" is an exhibition that bridges the abstract and the figurative, bringing together landscapes and portraits that reveal the inner sanctuary of Yubi's unconscious. Through these works, Yubi explores the themes of the inner child and vulnerability, metaphorically depicting them as gardens submerged underwater. These hidden gardens reflect both the beauty and depth of the human experience—what lies beneath the surface, invisible but ever-present. The exhibition serves as a contemplative space where viewers can journey through their own inner worlds, connecting to universal emotions of growth, resilience, and beauty.

Artworks Installation Plan (size, dimension, count)
The exhibition will feature a diverse range of artwork sizes, from large, immersive pieces to smaller, intimate works. This variety will create a layered visual experience, inviting both deep engagement and quiet reflection. Additionally, I am collaborating with an installation artist to create a ceiling and wall installation that symbolizes water, aligning with the exhibition’s underwater theme. This flowing, reflective installation will enhance the feeling of being submerged, allowing viewers to physically experience the atmosphere of hidden emotions and the interplay of sadness and beauty central to the exhibition.

• 8 x 10 – 11 x 17 sizes (small) : 10 works
• 16 x 20, 24 x 24, 18 x 24 sizes (medium) : 5 works
• 30 x 40, 40 x 50 sizes (large) : 3 works
• 48 x 48 size : 1-2 works

Inspirations
Inspired by Literature The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Yubi delves into the intertwined emotions of sadness and neglect that exist in the hidden parts of ourselves. Just as the garden in the story is abandoned and overgrown, Yubi’s underwater landscapes reflect the emotional neglect we often impose on our inner worlds. The submerged gardens serve as metaphors for sadness—feelings long buried, yet still alive, like plants growing beneath the water’s surface. These emotions, although hidden, hold immense power and beauty, nurturing growth in unexpected ways. Yubi draws on the idea that sadness, while often neglected or suppressed, is a vital part of the human experience, capable of fostering healing and transformation. The stillness of water and the quiet beauty of the garden express how sadness can be a source of renewal, even when it seems overwhelming. Influenced by childhood memories and Carl Jung’s exploration of the unconscious, Yubi’s work offers a space to confront and embrace these forgotten emotions.

Techniques
Yubi's artistic techniques combine photo collage, paint, and pressed botanicals, creating multidimensional textures that evoke both natural and imagined underwater gardens. Abstract landscapes meld with personal portraits, capturing moments of vulnerability and growth. The artist incorporates molding paste and dried flowers to form tactile layers that mimic the organic forms found in nature. Through this fusion of mediums, Yubi reinterprets traditional Korean garments using flowers and fabrics, turning each piece into a symbolic exploration of cultural identity. The blending of aquatic hues with dried florals reflects the transformative power of nature, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of hidden worlds.