One of the significant doctrines in Buddhism and Hinduism is reincarnation, known as saṃsāra. Reincarnation implies 'circulation.' A young Korean artist who integrates this cycle into her work is Estelle Tcha. She paints these pictures not due to her religious beliefs. It was in 2018 when she became intrigued by essence, a central topic across religions, and adopted 'circulation' as her artistic inspiration.

"I find inspiration in the cycle of water flowing from rivers to oceans, then transforming into clouds and raining down on the world," she explains.
 

▲ Estelle Tcha [Courtesy of KPINews]Estelle Tcha frequently depicts horses as the primary characters on her canvases to articulate the theme of circulation. "I believe horses are unique among animals. If horses don't trust someone, they won't yield their loyalty. To me, these horses resemble humans yearning for freedom. They've taught me positivity and non-verbal communication. Drawing static and dynamic horses on canvas enabled me to capture the essence of yin, yang, and circulation," she elaborates.

However, Tcha's portrayal of 'circulation' isn't about seeking a transcendent utopia like the nirvana of Buddhism or Hinduism. "I believe moments transition into eternity, creating a cycle among them. But I think what's most important isn't the elusive Nirvana, but rather, the 'now, this moment,'" she contends. She communicates a profoundly philosophical message that the most precious values aren't distant but already surround us.

▲ Estelle Tcha, WORK IN PROCESS, 2024, Oil on canvas 145.5 x 112 cmThe form of the two horses she paints on canvas oscillates between figurative and non-figurative shapes. Similar to the Taegeuk of the East, the two horses intertwine and turn. Perhaps this painting style is her way of aesthetically expressing the fusion of the present and eternity. Estelle Tcha remarks, "The canvas painting depicts a moment within an eternal cycle. I believe a moment is eternity."

How will the audience interpret the highly philosophical message from this young artist just entering her thirties?

Since childhood, Estelle Tcha has communicated through drawing. "Philosophy can only be conveyed through verbal means, but I prefer painting because I can express things beyond words. Paintings hold diverse meanings for each viewer. In essence, it liberates us from confinement," she reflects.

▲ Estelle Tcha, Face to Face Diptych, 2023, Oil on canvas, 145.5 x 112 cmDespite pursuing various jobs, Tcha admits her instincts have always pointed in one direction. Her dedication to painting has fostered her growth as an artist over the years.

Currently, Estelle Tcha participates in a special invitation exhibition at the Vichae Art Museum in Seoul. Her standout piece in this exhibition is 'Cyclicality of the Soul Series 3.'

▲ Estelle Tcha, SELF PORTRAIT, 2023, Oil on canvas, 40 x 30 cmThese works mirror the artist's philosophical message that all living things in the universe are interconnected as one. Her message echoes the Buddhist theory of dependent origination. However, for Christians, it's acceptable to interpret it as a divine encounter between God and humans. What's remarkable about these works is that when viewed from a distance, they appear as a single pattern, akin to the seal of an ancient emperor. They leave an indelible mark on the viewer's mind, perhaps because the images are etched into their consciousness.

Estelle Tcha seems to have a deep connection with horses. In her 'Self Portrait Series,' alongside a horse, an unknown circular shape adorns the sky, reminiscent of either the sun or the moon. The blue hue of this circle symbolizes solitude and purity—a figurative expression of her resolve to preserve the untainted spirit of an artist in a tumultuous world.

▲ Estelle Tcha, Mother Earth II, 2024, Oil on canvas, 95×58×2.8 cmThe 'Mother Earth Series' portrays a woman's body devoid of any sexual connotations. Instead, the woman's body in the painting seems to embody a pure moment of unity with the earth, attempting to conceive new life.

Estelle Tcha's messages in her works can be interpreted in myriad ways. However, the overarching message she imparts is singular: "Don't overlook 'now, this moment.'"

Estelle Tcha studied art at SMFA in Boston, USA. She pursued philosophy at Tufts University and game design at Columbia University Graduate School. With over 10 solo and group exhibitions across Korea, the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, Tcha has showcased her talent on a global scale.

Her special invitation exhibition, 'Cyclicality, Earth, Eternity,' runs until the 17th of next month at the Vichae Art Museum in Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. The exhibition features 36 of her works, including the artist’s 'Cyclality of the Soul Series.'

Sayart / Jason Yim yimjongho1969@gmail.com