Power Make Up - Enforcement, Powder Coating on Copper, 120x120(mm), 2022
Ryujeong (Yujeong) Han
she/they
Ryujeong Han(Yujeong Han), is a contemporary Korean jewelry artist, actively challenges societal norms and sparks introspection. In 2021, she earned degrees in fine art and fashion design from Ewha Womans University and, in 2023, completed her jewelry & metal MFA degree from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Her jewelry designs venture beyond traditional stereotypes, encouraging a rethinking of societal expectations. More than mere adornment, her pieces serve as bold statements on gender and sexuality issues in Korea. Through her pieces, she seeks to inspire deeper conversations and encourage a wider range of perspectives.
“My work plays with, and at times subverts, the moments of connection that we share between bodies, human and otherwise. The work interrogates the banal, the glorious, the perverse, and the traumatic, and situates our personal experiences of place and time in conversation with each other's. I like to think our memories of a place are embedded in objects and that objects reflect those stories back out to the world.”
How does your work relate to the theme Adorned Serenity— How does the work function as a wearable safe space?
"Growing up as a queer individual in an Asian culture that values conformity, I constantly felt overshadowed. The societal norms seemed to erase my identity, making it difficult for me to find places or moments of genuine acceptance. This constant push to adhere to a particular mold limited my self-expression and masked my true identity.
To me, a serenity is a space where I can unabashedly express myself, free from the burdens of societal expectations. It's a place where I can express my identity without restraint. Jewelry has always been my guiding light and symbol of defiance. It’s more than just adornment; it’s a bold declaration against the norm and a protective armor.
Through jewelry, I've found introspection, delving into the core of who I am, my values, and my unique identity. The transformative impact of jewelry has been a guiding force on my path to self-acceptance.
My work is influenced by my identity as an Asian queer individual. For example, my ""Power Make Up"" collection is a reflection of my experiences in Korea, a place where homophobic sentiments are unfortunately still prevalent.
Each pendant in this collection has its roots in the personal jewelry pieces I’ve worn during my most vulnerable moments, especially when confronted by society's homophobia. Infused with symbolism, these pieces exude strength, with themes like enforcement, illuminance, spikiness, and masquerade. The inscribed words on each piece are windows into my soul, reflecting my hope for a more accepting world and my assertion of my identity.
This collection is both a critique of the restrictive societal norms and a beacon for hope. It represents my fierce resistance against a homophobic society , while also defending and expressing my true self."
Power Make Up: Enforcement, Illuminance, Spikiness, Masquerade; Powder Coating on Copper, 120x120(mm), 120x110(mm), 125x100(mm), 80x90(mm), 2022
How do you see this piece existing in the world as a wearable safe space?
Or is this piece specific to you?
"In the society where I grew up, expressing oneself was often seen as to be feared and considered odd. Most people hide their true selves, striving to fit into restrictive norms. In this context, jewelry became my refuge and voice. For instance, in Korea, a black ring worn on the index finger was a secret symbol among the queer community. This subtle sign reminded me that I wasn't isolated in facing societal pressures.
The power of jewelry lies not just in its beauty, but in its ability to create connections and solidarity. Such pieces can be a silent yet potent declaration of identity, providing comfort to those who might feel feared in this society.
'Power Make Up' collection embodies this sentiment. Created from personal experiences and values, wearing a piece from this collection isn't just an adornment—it's a sharing of my stories, hopes, and aspirations. It bridges the gap between individuals, creating a sense of unity and understanding.
In wearing and sharing this jewelry, we open up intimate facets of our lives, inviting others to understand and empathize with our experiences. More than just body adornments, they provide warmth and encouragement to those seeking to find their voice in the world."
"When someone come across ‘Power Make Up’ collection, I encourage them to wear them, embracing their significance. The true essence and enchanting quality of this piece are only fully revealed when it's adorned. I've created it in the hope that it serves as a beacon of comfort for those who feel the weight of societal expectations and the pressure to conform.
This jewelry is created to be universally wearable. While those who wear it might not grasp every nuance of the personal journey that inspired its creation, but the act of wearing provides subtle insights into the thoughts and emotions I've poured into it.
The piece is also a reflection of my lived experiences as an Asian queer individual. Through this jewelry, I'm offering a part of my personal serenity, a space where others can connect and experience its inherent magic. This invitation isn't exclusive to the queer community. It's a symbol of unity and understanding, open to everyone.
By wearing this jewelry, one harnesses a power that feels almost magical. It stands as a symbol of solidarity and unity among those who wear it. Furthermore, it acts as a quiet but powerful declaration, allowing wearers to show their authentic queerness in a world that frequently pushes for conformity."
If someone found this piece and needed an instruction manual to make the safe space work — what’s a quick how to?
Power Make Up - Spikiness, Powder Coating on Copper, 125x100(mm), 2022
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“This piece was initially created through 3D printing, then made with electroforming and finished with a powder coating process.”
Power Make Up - Masquerade, Powder Coating on Copper 80x90(mm), 2022