Jiha Moon (South Korean, b. 1973)
Genie (Peony), 2019
Lithograph, screenprint and nail decals
26.75 x 21 in.
Gallery Purchase
This fall, I had the opportunity to participate in ArtMate, an incredible program at Davidson College that allows students to select artwork from the college’s gallery collection to display in their personal spaces. During the selection party at the Smith Gallery, where all the pieces were on display, a few works caught my eye, but one in particular drew me in with its bold colors and intricate details. Fortunately, it was still available when it was my turn to choose, and it became the piece I ultimately brought to my room: Genie (Peony) by Jiha Moon.
The artwork is large, vibrant, and full of life, an energetic composition that I thought would be a perfect addition to my space. It features a vase with a dragon wrapped in dynamic, Lichtenstein-esque brushstrokes, vivid and playful in their execution. The scene is populated with fascinating details: a peony lying on the ground, bananas scattered about, a slightly terrifying teddy bear in a heart, what appears to be a fortune cookie with a face, and many other intricate details.
At first, it was the visual allure of the piece that captivated me. The chaotic yet harmonious mix of elements resonated with me, along with its bold and bright colors. However, it wasn’t until I took the time to learn more about the artist and the deeper meaning behind the artwork after it had been hung in my room that I realized how much I connected with it on a personal level.
This piece was created by Jiha Moon, an artist born in Daegu, South Korea, who has made her home in Tallahassee, Florida. Moon’s educational background begins with BFA and MFA degrees from Seoul and additional MFA and MA degrees from the University of Iowa. Her work has been exhibited in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul, and it is part of prestigious collections such as the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the High Museum of Art, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Moon’s art is known for its unique blend of traditional Korean motifs and Western influences, interwoven with contemporary pop culture and digital-age references. Her expressive practice comments on globalization, the fluidity of identity, and the overwhelming flood of information in modern society. Through her vivid and multifaceted works ranging from paintings and ceramics to sculptures and installations, Moon juxtaposes symbols that challenge conventional perceptions of what it means to be Asian and American, navigating the complex intersection of cultures.
One of the recurring themes in Moon’s work is the exploration of Asian American identity, a topic that resonates deeply with me. As someone with an Asian American background, with my mother’s side rooted in Asian culture, I feel familiar with the themes of duality and belonging in Moon’s art. The idea of straddling two cultural worlds, neither fully here nor there, is one I know well.
Moon’s art is steeped in symbolism, often using playful yet loaded imagery to critique and reflect on cultural identity. For example, the fortune cookie, which is prominently featured in her work, is an object associated with Chinese cuisine yet is largely a Western construct, symbolizing the way cultural markers can be appropriated and redefined. Her use of the banana, a term that has historically been used in a derogatory way to describe Asians who “act white,” adds another layer of complexity, challenging stereotypes and inviting a re-examination of identity in multicultural contexts.
The piece in my room feels like a celebration of cultural hybridity while simultaneously critiquing the assumptions and stereotypes tied to it. The vibrant colors and dynamic composition that initially drew me in now serve as a daily reminder of the multifaceted nature of identity and the beauty of blending traditions. Moon’s work may appear whimsical at first glance, but it is rich with social commentary, prompting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between what is considered “American” and what is “foreign.” Through this artwork, I’ve found not only a visually compelling addition to my space but also a profound connection to my own experience.
– Oliver Poduschnick ’25