By Honorary Reporter Ayushi Kharayat from India

In Korean culture, the tiger is traditionally depicted as a guardian spirit symbolizing bravery and protection. Ceramic artist Jang Mee-kyung has preserved this notion with vividly colored sculptures of the feline. 

Based in Seoul, Jang has earned recognition for her works. This year, her "Blue Miso Tiger" won the grand prize at the Seoul Symbolic Tourism Souvenir Contest sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. 

Her sculptures have appeared in major exhibitions, national contests and even official souvenirs for K-pop sensation BTS.

Artist Jang Mee-kyung poses with her ceramic tiger sculptures. (Jang Mee-kyung)

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Jang between July 18 and Sept. 22.

What drew you to ceramics and how did art school shape you as an artist?
In high school, the 1990 film "Ghost" gave me a dreamlike impression of what ceramics could be. Working with clay felt natural, and that connection led me to study ceramics in university and later graduate school.

As an undergraduate, I focused on wheel throwing but shifted to sculpture as a graduate student. I later realized that my true passion was animal figures and sculptural forms. This led me to write my thesis on gwimyeon (demon-face wall hanging), one of the most fulfilling projects of my life.

When did the tiger become a central part of your art and how has this evolved?

After my solo exhibition, I wanted to create elegant tiger sculptures representing Korea, but initially worried about their marketability. I began with more affordable Asian zodiac figures for museums and palace stores; over time, these tigers gained recognition and public affection.

At the same time, I developed works with social and personal messages, inspired by the traditional use of tigers in humor and satire. By reflecting human nature, society and duality, the tiger through my eyes evolved into a timeless symbol of tradition and contemporary life.

Artist Jang Mee-kyung produces works inspired by the 12 animals of the Asian zodiac, dragons and other traditional motifs, drawing inspiration from Korean heritage. (Jang Mee-kyung)

What kind of universality do you hope your sculptures convey?
A saying goes that "the most Korean (thing) is also the most universal." The universal emotions of humans are war and peace, the environment and love. I believe I am simply expressing these through Korean motifs.

Jang Mee-kyung's works were presented as official souvenirs to BTS (top) on the group's fifth anniversary as honorary tourism ambassadors for Seoul and later appeared on major media programs. (VisitSeoul TV)

What plans do you have for your sculptures?

I hope to explore installation art through sculptures infused with stories and integrated into architecture, opening new creative possibilities.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article was 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.