Hwang Hye-young, an artist from Busan, centers her work around the theme of the girl. In her artwork, the girl symbolizes not only the character within the paintings but also the gap between her outward appearance as an adult artist and her inner vulnerability and immaturity. The girl reflects the environment in which the artist grew up and serves as a symbol for people of all genders and ages.

The artist’s life is surrounded by multiple generations of women: her mother’s generation with two sons and five daughters, her own generation with three sisters including herself, and the next generation with two nieces and four nephews. These many women are deeply embedded in the artist’s life, making them as essential as the air she breathes.

As Hwang Hye-young experiences the waves of growth and adolescence, she empathetically reflects these experiences in her work. Her art naturally incorporates moments from her own adolescence as well as those of her children. Through her life, she has come to realize that adolescence is not just a phase but a continuous journey of growth that lasts a lifetime.

Hwang Hye-young’s work revolves around three main themes: adolescent girls, small houses, and the box series representing the artist’s inner world. Among these, the girl is the central focus. Through her art, she delicately and attractively portrays the complex emotions and growth processes of teenage girls. Even as an adult artist, she uses the image of the girl to embrace her own vulnerability and immaturity, showcasing authenticity. Her work explores the girl’s world, inner conflicts, and the contradictions between sanctuary and constraint, allowing the audience to connect emotionally and empathize with the diverse emotions and thoughts expressed.

The artist draws inspiration from within herself and her surroundings, blending her energetic and introspective traits. Constant creative sparks arise from beloved landscapes, films, books, music, and people. Her art is primarily created in her studio or home, starting with the selection of appropriate canvases or papers, followed by preliminary sketches. She then layers paint repeatedly to achieve the desired colors and brushwork, gradually adding details until the piece is complete. The creation process typically takes from one week to a month, and can vary depending on the size of the work and the amount being produced.