Yeji Jeon, Painter

Yeji Jeon (b. 1993, Seoul, Korea) is a London-based artist whose work explores a deeply personal exploration of identity and belonging. Her pieces reflect on the transient nature of memory and emotion, often with a floral motif that serves as a powerful symbol of both beauty and vulnerability.


"Through the process of documenting my life, I reminisce and share with others."

I have studied and lived in three countries: the United States, Korea, and the United Kingdom. I am deeply interested in observing different cultures closely and comparing how they are different. This curiosity seems to come from my desire to immerse myself in each culture and integrate it into my identity. By observing people, I absorb even the smallest cultural nuances that I need to learn, incorporating them into my sense of self. I express this journey through my work. Flowers play a significant role in my art. They grow and bloom beautifully in their given moments, like depending on the season and environment. This symbolizes the different phases of my life I have taken root in different countries, trying to be flourish in each place. Each flower in my artwork is depicted in bold, vibrant colours, representing the diversity of my experiences. Rather than focusing on a single distinct hue, I embrace every detail, ensuring that no moment is overlooked. Through colour, I transmit the idea that even the smallest experiences are meaningful and valuable.

I like to describe my work as a "visual diary." In the fast paced of everyday life, we often forget or miss moments we wanted to remember. Over time, our memories fade, and we start describing our past experiences with vague expressions like "it was just okay." To maintain these experiences, I capture even the smallest details—such as chuckle moments—through my work. While diaries are often private, I want to share my story with others. I value the concept of sharing, as exchanging stories with family, friends, and others strengthens connections and deepens memories. Because of this, I aim to make my work instantly recognizable and approachable, so that viewers can comfortably connect with my experiences.

Ultimately, my work is both a form of self-consolation—acknowledging the gratitude I feel for the beautiful memories and valuable lessons I have gained while putting down roots in foreign lands—and a message to others. I hope to inspire viewers to see beauty in every moment, find courage for new beginnings, and experience warmth and connection through shared stories.

Jeon Yeji's paintings can be seen as a personal plea for an ideal world that we can all share. His works, filled entirely with flowers and plants, represent a world of pure innocence. The moment you encounter his paintings, your eyes are delighted, emotions are enriched, and a warm feeling envelops your heart. Even though the landscapes feature familiar flowers and plants that we see or might have seen in everyday life, they come across as if we are seeing a new world for the first time. This is because these paintings embody only pure and innocent emotions, distinct from the realities of everyday life. - Shin Hangseop (Art Critic)