Meeting Poet Kim Joo-dae — Paintings, Poetry, Mugs, and the 'Revolution of Light'

First Meeting with Poet Kim Joo-dae

When I first met poet Kim Joo-dae at Tak Hyun-min's The Beautiful, I discovered him not just as a poet but as someone who offered a new perspective on life. He spoke in a quiet voice, but beneath his words lay a profound passion and love. His works revealed a deep affection for humanity and society, along with a reflection on the essence of life.

The Life and Works of Poet Kim Joo-dae

Kim Joo-dae, a poet, was born in 1965 in Sangju, Gyeongbuk, and after studying Korean literature at Sungkyunkwan University, he made his debut in 1989 with "Minjung Poetry." He does not merely write poetry but also takes on the role of an artist who records life and testifies to the times. His works appear as "thoughts in form," harmonizing text and images.

The Poems and Paintings of Kim Joo-dae

The poems of poet Kim Joo-dae naturally reveal the stories within the hearts of those who read them. His poetry includes characters that resonate with himself, providing elements that many people can relate to. When I first encountered his artwork, what stayed in my memory before his poetry was the paintings. His works, expressed through ink and light, serve as both poetry and evidence of life, conveying the stories of the figures he has drawn.

Kim Joo-dae's Impressive Paintings

The most impressive work among Kim Joo-dae's paintings was the tractor adorned with a red flag. This painting featured the sentence 'When the wind blows, the flower becomes too anxious and withers away.' The connection between the farmer's tractor and the protest flag was strongly emphasized through his perspective. This unique viewpoint reflects various aspects of our society.

The Meaning of Light by Poet Kim Joo-dae

In the world of poet Kim Joo-dae, the meaning of 'light' is not simply brightness. He distinguishes this light as candlelight and cheer sticks, attributing a symbolic meaning of solidarity against injustice. In his paintings, light exists as a quiet yet radiant presence, flickering yet intense. This evolution is fully captured in his works.

The mug cup of Kim Joo-dae and my daily life

When I saw the mug featuring his artwork, I felt it was more than just simple merchandise. It was a manifestation of poet Kim Joo-dae's affection for life and the times, and it was part of a world I resonate with. Every time I drank a warm beverage, it felt like that cup would become a poem residing in my hands, and I wanted to incorporate his poetry and art into my daily life through that mug.