Abstract
My thesis explores the shifting identities of contemporary Korean women through a series of satirical, emotionally charged illustrations that blend a personal narrative with a general Korean cultural framework. I use humor, kitsch, and “grotesque” aesthetics to comment on beauty standards, mothers’ roles and the impact of consumer culture in South Korea. My illustrations often incorporate collage techniques and maximalist storytelling to suggest the intimacy that women of my generation share. By incorporating culturally specific terms, the project highlights the unique challenges faced by Korean mothers. These women grapple with feelings of inferiority from having been raised in a high-pressure academic environment from their own parents, often turning their children into trophies, symbols of their desired success. Through this lens, this series presents my reflection on the identity, societal status, and resilience of modern women.