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Moonassi: Melancholy illustrations react to the musings of everyday life

Moonassi is an illustrative series by Dae-Hyun Kim, an artist from South Korea who turned his attention to creating these black and white drawings during his studies in Oriental Painting at Hongik University, Seoul.

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Two silhouetted figures crouch amongst scattered white flowers in a black and white illustration by Dae-Hyun Kim

Although the collection has no particular recurring thread, what struck me is how relatable the situations are – even though they initially appear abstract.

We've all had days where we feel trapped, and others where we feel as though our thoughts physically need piecing together. The images appear to be shrouded in melancholy, but perhaps that's because the subject's feelings are so tangible.

However, despite being melancholic in theme the work is undeniably beautiful. Both simple and striking.

Kim explains: "I’ve been making a series of drawings called “Moonassi” since 2008. Moonassi is my artist name, which is similar to the Buddhist term “Anatta”. From the beginning, I wanted to draw something I really know, and something I really can speak about.

"My drawings are all about me and others. What I like to create is a drawing as an empty space between me and the viewer, so that people can talk and find their own story from my drawings. I only use black because it’s simple. I draw on small paper because it’s convenient."

Discover more at www.moonassi.com.

Via Empty Kingdom

A figure in black silhouette sits hunched, holding a glass filled with tangled strings that extend upward toward their head in Dae-Hyun Kim's melancholic illustration
Black and white illustration showing an abstract figure with particles and dots dispersing from its form, suggesting fragmentation or scattered thoughts
Two figures in black silhouette, one seated and one standing draped in flowing fabric, with crescent moon shapes visible above and within their forms
Figure in black clothing kneeling on white ground beneath dark sky, holding a vinyl record and gazing upward at a white moon
A figure in black sits against a dark starry background, holding a thin beam of light that stretches upward into the darkness
Black and white illustration by Moonassi of a seated figure in profile wearing a face shield and protective gear, drawn in simple lines on a light background
Two figures in black kneel facing each other, one reaching out to gently pull apart tangled threads held between them in this black and white illustration by Moonassi
Stylised illustration of a figure with their head replaced by a pixelated grid pattern, holding a small black cube in their outstretched hand
Silhouetted figure lying horizontally with head tilted back, pouring water over themselves from a vessel, against a dark sky with two white circles
A silhouette figure with long hair sits pouring water from a vessel, surrounded by abstract black shapes on the ground, in black ink on white paper
Two white hands gently holding and assembling together fragmented white shapes against a dark background in a minimalist illustration
Two figures sit facing each other across a stark black and white divide, one reaching towards the other's face in a gesture of connection or confrontation
Black and white line drawing showing a figure in flowing robes sitting and cutting threads connected to another figure's head above, depicting themes of disconnection and inner turmoil
Figure in wide-brimmed black hat and coat emerging from patterned fabric, with strings extending upward like a puppet
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