‘Ke-Byun-Ha-Hwa’ 계변가화 is a famous painting by Sin, Yun-bok, a 18th century Korean artist. The title translates as ‘Beautiful story by the riverside’ I took inspiration from this painting and took a part of the painting and gave it a twist to make an original linocut print.

Sin was notorious for ridiculing the aristocrats while heroing commoners and women (FYI, Korea in the 18-19 century was a very strict class society. It was revolting to even paint "woman" on canvas). 

In the full painting by Sin, there is a man walking past this women and few others, and he disrespectfully stares directly at this woman whose breasts are fully exposed. The expression on her face shows she doesn’t mind the stare, and rather enjoys the attention. Sin titled this painting ‘Beautiful story’ and further ridiculed the two faced aristocrats in his time. 

Sadly there is not a lot of information or records about Sin’s life but I feel his paintings tell so much about who he is as a person. I hope making Lino prints inspired by his paintings will spread his spirit and share thought provoking bravery with the world.