By Honorary Reporter Volga Serin Suleymanoglu from Turkiye (Turkey)
Photos = Yoon Dain

Yoon Dain, a Seoul-born optical illusionary artist based in New York, is a creative who pushes the boundaries of what is considered permanence in art.

Using her body as a canvas and for artistic expression, she has collaborated with global brands and institutions including Samsung, Instagram, Facebook, Netflix, Snapchat, New York Times, Van Gogh Museum and Seoul Metropolitan Government. 

In 2017, she earned a bachelor's in stage design at Korea National University of the Arts in Seoul. Her accolades include the Talent Award of Korea in 2016, first prize at the Seoul Modern Arts Show in 2017, and Technology Creator of the Year in 2021 as part of Adweek's Creator Visionary Awards.

This email interview with Yoon was conducted between March 5 and April 22.

Yoon Dain creates intricate paintings on her face and body, often incorporating multiple eyes into her designs.

Describe your artistic journey from childhood to present day.

As a child, I was a bit eccentric, with an overwhelming curiosity about strange things. While I wouldn't describe myself as particularly artistic then, I excelled in painting at Yewon Arts Secondary School and Seoul Arts High School. I studied scenography at university, which led me to explore theatrical makeup and body painting. By 2014, I began developing my own style, eventually choosing to use my face to express emotions.

Growing up with an artist for a mother and an architect for a father greatly influenced my approach. My mother taught me the importance of humor and thinking outside the box in art, while my father's engineering background, combined with his passionate nature, helped shape my creative perspective and inner strength.

This work at the historic Simujang, the former residence of Manhae Han Yong-un.

You use optical illusions and body art. Explain your creative process.

I started with painting multiple faces and eyes on models during my sophomore year, but eventually moved to using myself as the canvas. This decision came from both practical considerations and artistic ones: the long hours models had to remain still and the ability to work independently and express more personal emotions.

My projects typically take between two to 10 hours for body paintings, though larger works like oil paintings can span years. I also have the daily project DainLapse, in which I take and sign an instant photo every day, believing in the power of consistent creative practice.

Yoon's portfolio includes a work for the Van Gogh Museum (left) and a recreation of M.C. Escher's "Hand with a Reflecting Sphere" (right).

How has your Korean heritage and success influenced your artistic identity?

After immigrating to the U.S., I began reflecting more deeply on my Korean roots. Growing up in Seoul's competitive environment shaped my artistic expression, often manifesting in what I call "dizzying paintings" that reflected my emotional state. My art naturally incorporates Korean cultural elements and techniques, while living in New York has exposed me to diverse artistic perspectives.

When recreating famous art on my face and body, I aim to "make familiar things unfamiliar," transforming classic pieces into unexpected formats. The temporary nature of my work, taking days to create but minutes to remove, serves as a metaphor for life's impermanence.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.