Shining DESPAIR
Jina Seo
USA/South Korea

Holding Jewelry “Gut Feelings”, 2023
Leather, Fine silver, sterling silver, brass, pigment, thread
Hydraulic press forming, stitching

Necklace “responsibiLITy”, 2023
Leather, Fine silver, pigment, thread, steel
Hydraulic press forming, riveting, stitching

My work reveals inner conflict and suffering by contrasting societal expectations with the personal turmoil I often experience. Despite knowing what is valued and important in the world, I struggle to align these ideals with my sense of self, often feeling guilty and frustrated that I can’t fully live up to them. Yet, I believe the only way to make a difference is to continue trying. By deconstructing leather jackets and using symbolic gestures from punk culture, I create fine silver patches that embody thought-provoking wordplay. These pieces are reminders of the values I strive to protect, inviting others to reflect on what is important to them.

More « Shining DESPAIR »

Shining Despair – Anna Talbot / Norway

The series ‘Pressed Flowers’ is inspired by my memories of my grandfather’s garden from my childhood.

Shining Despair – Isabelle Busnel / France

Human race is doomed. We are destroying the planet at a pace never seen before.

Shining Despair – Catalina Rivera / Peru-Spain

“I’m inside, I’m not outside”

Shining Despair – Jeanine van der Linde / Netherlands

In today’s world, where we face significant challenges …

Shining Despair – Henrike Altes – Germany

Out of the feeling of longing for warmth and the close relationship to a beloved person …

Shining Despair – Anna Timar / Hungary

These necklaces represent the duality of emotions within us.

Shining Despair – Juan Riusech / Spain

« Blurred Lines of Despair » explores the tangible manifestation of emotional unraveling.

Shining Despair – Carmen Lopez / Spain

Spinning reflections on the title of the competition.

Shining Despair – Donald Friedlich / USA

For most of us despair comes and goes.

Shining Despair – Holland Houdek / USA

Words fail in the face of miscarriage.