Artist Statement
My painting explores the beauty of cultural diversity through the act of sharing a meal. I painted children from different backgrounds eating lunch together and exchanging foods from their own cultures. This moment illustrates how curiosity, kindness, and openness can spark understanding and connection. I was inspired by a childhood memory of feeling uncomfortable eating my traditional Korean lunch around friends, fearing it might seem strange or unpleasant. Instead of judgment, my friends showed curiosity, asking about my food and wanting to try it. This led to a potluck where everyone brought dishes from their own cultures. Through this, we embraced our differences and created an opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of our traditions.