Hannah (JeongHyeon) Bang

Alter Ego series: Serious Painter Hannah

 <Sleep is Threshold> (2023)

Serious Painter Hannah is a series of works that explores the identity of the artist and the essence of existence. Through the persona of the "serious painter," it humorously critiques the roles and societal expectations placed on artists. Just as humans name things, build systems, and explore their multiple selves, this piece reveals hidden facets of the self and redefines their relationships. It traverses the boundaries between seriousness and humor, reality and fiction, visually unraveling fundamental questions about existence and processes of self-awareness. Green Bubble Escape Land visualizes an invisible presence that occupies our space, accompanied by chroma key green—symbolizing boundless possibilities—and the color reminiscent of Korea’s emergency exit signs. This work delves into the relationship between space and existence, offering infinite possibilities through symbolic colors that suggest escape and transformation.

In the Serious Painter Hannah (SPH) series, Sleep is the Threshold explores sleep as a liminal space we traverse daily—a ritualistic entry into an abstract, ever-shifting landscape. The work reflects on the transformative and cyclical essence of sleep, metaphorically examining the boundary between consciousness and unconsciousness. By framing sleep as both a personal ritual and a shared, imagined space, this piece invites viewers to reflect on the intimate yet universal act of crossing thresholds that redefine our existence each day.

Watercolor, Gouache, Water-Soluble Pastels, Vinyl paints, Oil paints, Oil pastel on wood board, Chromakey Green Paints

60 x 72 inch