Time

This is a hyper-realistic pencil drawing. All living beings age over time — a fundamental law of nature that many people today seem to vaguely deny. In modern society, aging is often associated with weakness, or viewed as a sign that death is approaching. But in truth, there is great strength and beauty in growing old. I created this piece to express that truth. The elderly woman in the drawing is wiping her mouth with her hand, her cold, distant gaze suggesting she's lost in deep reflection — perhaps recalling a distant memory.

The once-firm skin of her youth has become wrinkled, and her dark hair has gradually turned gray. Her hands, once smooth, now bear the marks of hardship, and the bandana covering her head is frayed with age. Yet, her eyes have become clearer — more transparent with time — holding a quiet strength shaped by memory and experience. To portray this, I angled the pencil intentionally to capture the fine lines around her eyes and face in detail. The wrinkles were emphasized with precise line work, while smudging techniques were used to give her hands a textured yet soft appearance. Through this piece, I aim to show that age is not decay, but a testament to resilience, beauty, and life lived deeply.

Award:

2021 Jeju Youth Art Festival Exhibition Middle and High School Students Art Contest> -Time Sliver prize