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 – Henrike Altes – Germany

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

Shining Despair – Eunhee Cho / South Korea

I have experienced two trials in my life.

Shining Despair – Sara Shahak / Israel

« Flowers are weak creatures, naive. They reassure themselves as best they can.

Shining Despair – Esteban Erosky / Mexico-Spain

Our ability to transform things is so powerful …

Shining Despair – Elvira Cibotti / Argentina

I don’t always find the energy to overcome sadness or worry.

Shining Despair – Katherine Mc Namara / Ireland

I have been saving the plastic packaging of my cigarette filters for several years.

Shining Despair – Ute van der Plaats / Belgium

When the relentless madness of this world is clouding my heart, I take a walk in the woods …

Shining Despair – Lily Pree / Greece

Despair is the lack of little breathless reflections.

Shining Despair – Sanna Svedestedt / Sweden

The Dropped Ice Cream brooches offer a surreal take on the iconic moment …