Seoul National University (SNU) Library has long been a place for intellectual and cultural enrichment, regularly hosting exhibitions to engage and inspire the community. This tradition continues with the 25th Central Library Mini Exhibition, now open in the Kwanjeong Gallery. Running from December 16, 2024, to February 13, 2025, the exhibition invites students, faculty, and members of the SNU community to take a moment from their busy schedules and appreciate the therapeutic influences of art.
I Can Garden My Own Mind
I Can Garden My Own Mind is a collaboration between the SNU Central Library and Dr. Rachy, an alumna who earned her Ph.D. in Engineering from SNU. The exhibition features a collection of artworks that explore themes of resilience and positivity in overcoming life’s challenges.
At the heart of the exhibition is Poing, the Space Rabbit, a character created by the artist Rachy during her doctoral journey as a way to navigate personal and academic struggles. Poing’s story unfolds as a metaphor for overcoming adversity and finding courage in unfamiliar and daunting circumstances. As laid out by the artist, Poing’s backstory is both tragic and full of hope. Originally meant to live out its life as a test subject during humanity’s space exploration of the moon, Poing’s destiny shifts course when a compassionate astronaut decides to rescue the little rabbit. Upon being released from a life of experimentation, Poing initially spends time avoiding humans and hiding on the moon, weighed down by memories of abandonment and the fear of being discovered. In spite of this, Poing summons the courage to embark on a journey to our planet Earth. Through a series of heartfelt and warm artworks, the exhibition traces Poing’s journey of adapting to life on Earth, depicting moments of vulnerability, perseverance, and triumph. At its core, Poing’s tale is one of optimism and resilience. By following Poing’s story, we are reminded that it is possible to overcome life’s challenges, rediscover our purpose, and forge meaningful connections with others.
The Exhibition Space
Upon entering the Kwanjeong Gallery, visitors encounter a series of artworks displayed along three walls. Each piece is a digital art print that mimics soft brushstrokes, rendered in warm pastel tones. Poing, the central figure, is depicted with great care—often wearing cozy headpieces, sporting cute pinkish blush on the cheeks, and flaunting bright white fur. Despite Poing’s small stature, every scene highlights the rabbit’s quiet bravery in daily life. Titles for the artworks are framed to the right of each piece, offering comforting sentiments and subtly guiding the viewers’ interpretations.
Artwork titled “No worries, sometimes the wrong train takes you there”
In one artwork titled “No worries, sometimes the wrong train takes you there,” Poing patiently waits for a red-and-green train while carrying a green backpack and wearing a bright yellow headpiece. The scene is awash with warm hues of green, red, and yellow, bathed in soft golden light reminiscent of a sunny day in nature. Poing gazes beyond the approaching train and toward the viewer, as though offering a soft, reassuring smile. The title suggests that even when life diverges from one’s initial plans, it can still lead to the correct destination. It serves as a hopeful reminder that a journey once deemed “wrong” can, in fact, ultimately bring about the right outcome.
Artwork titled “I am proud of myself for not withering away”
In another piece titled “I am proud of myself for not withering away,” Poing tends to a delicate pink flower in a pot of rich soil, surrounded by other blooming plants and lush greenery. Together with the title, the artwork suggests a hopeful message about persevering through hardships, finding renewed strength, and sharing that new life with the world.
This exhibition, with its charming and uplifting artworks, will resonate with anyone seeking encouragement and optimism in the new year ahead. Visitors are warmly invited to visit the first floor of Kwanjeong Hall and rediscover their own capacity for resilience and renewal.
Written by Hyun Kyung Jung, SNU English Editor, jhyunk@snu.ac.kr