People with Invisible Tails

They exist like islands among other people. Animals, perhaps plants, sometimes like things in a still life.

The two books are linked by concertina-fold sections, forming a circular structure that endlessly returns to its beginning. Together, they portray people moving through everyday life in subtly different ways. The first book centres on an artist’s blue notebook, filled with drawings and words inspired by the world outside. As the artist observes people, they begin to notice invisible tails, making these figures seem somehow animal-like.

When the notebook closes, the artist grows smaller across the concertina folds, arriving at the door of their home, where the second book begins. Inside, the artist removes their coat, revealing an enormous blue tail. At last, they let it unfurl, brush it gently, and fall asleep, revisiting the day’s memories even in dreams.

Morning comes. Before leaving home, the artist stands with their tail unfurled across the folds leading back to the first book. The cycle begins again.

I studied fine arts at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul and was selected the distinguished illustrator of the CJ Picture Book Festival. I want to create picture books that children, adults and animals love. I like forests and strolling about them, seeing all the furry animals and writing about small sparkling moments in my mind at quiet moments. I also draw pictures of my conversations with acquintances, the air during the walk, and the cuteness found. My picture book is a piece of thread that is gathered in such small pieces. I want to put the moments that are in my daily life in my writing and drawing with a pure heart resembling animals.