I have a feeling that I've been searching for a long time without knowing what I'm looking for. This work started with the belief that there is an underlying essence to everything. I've always believed that the reason people move and say things, the reason the world goes round, is because there is an essential force or absolute essence that is inherent, that doesn't change or break down easily. And as usual, there comes a moment when my preoccupation is shattered, when I peel away the thick outer layers and question everything anew.
Then I thought that maybe I could spend my entire life trying to find essence, and if I couldn't, who could? So I created the Essence-Rabbit, an absolute being, to quench the thirst of anyone who wants to know about essence.
Through a dialog with an Essence-Rabbit, I was able to get word to go and visit another Essence-Rabbit, and I exhibited drawings of it along with an Essence-Rabbit meal.
©JEONGAN CHOI 2019