Fan Expression

The Love Language of a Fan

K-pop fans often face unfair labels like 'obsessive,' 'superficial,' and even 'crazy,' but this is nothing more than a reflection of society's tendency to criticise or dismiss female-driven hobbies. Like any large group, K-pop fandom has a few outliers, but its core community is lively and positive. K-pop has become not only a space for those with a shared interest but a haven for countless fans to express their love creatively through the making of 'Fan Art'.

This Fan Art isn't just about showing love for an idol or group - it allows for tangible expression, creativity and artistic exploration. It's a space for experimentation, pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques. A detailed portrait, humorous fan fiction, or a simple dance cover – each is a unique interpretation and engagement with the music. Crucially, online communities dedicated to K-pop fan art become sanctuaries for LGBTQ+ fans and fans from minority groups. Here, they connect with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of navigating their identities within the mainstream. These online spaces foster a sense of belonging and acceptance, something that might be lacking in their everyday lives. LGBTQ+ fans might create artwork depicting their favourite idols in ways that challenge gender norms. Fans from minority groups might showcase their cultural heritage alongside their idols. This act empowers them and allows them to see themselves represented positively within the K-pop fandom.

Exploring My Fan Art

Fan Art Instagram: @_.pen2paper._

My name is Emily and I have been a fan of K-pop since somewhere around 2021. K-pop's influence on my life has been profound, opening doors for me that I didn’t even know existed. More so than the music, What truly captivated me was the unique culture of K-Pop fandom. The intense engagement between idols and fans created a sense of community that I craved at that time. Through K-pop, I was able to explore new interests, and passions within the safety of the community.

One such interest was language learning, a long-dormant passion that was sparked by my desire to engage with Korean content on a truer level, without the need for subtitles or translations. This newfound passion has in recent years driven me to achieve things I never thought possible. Even as I write this, I am completing my second year of Korean Studies here at Sheffield University and I am preparing for my year abroad where I will be learning the Korean language at Hanyang University in South Korea. The language that was once nothing more than a melody in my headphones is now a personal pursuit, evidence of K-Pop's power and influence.

But K-Pop's impact on my life wasn't limited to academics, it also rekindled my love for art. Fan art became my bridge across cultures and languages, a way to express my devotion to my idols while allowing me to make connections to my other interests and passions. The language of fan art may be self-taught, but its message is universally understood. Even as a new fan, sometimes lost in the complexities of online fandom, my art allows me to express my genuine admiration for the artists and their music in a clear and heartfelt way. This community fosters not just love for music, but personal growth, exploration, and connections that transcend language and culture.

Gallery

'Fairies of the field'

Ateez Fan Art

This piece was inspired by old botanical field guides. Each member has been drawn as a different type of fairy, with accompanying 'scientific' observations about each type of fairy. These observations include comments or inside jokes that fellow fans would be able to identify. This kind of 'easter egg' is common in fan art and is just one way a fan artist may choose to express their personal 'connection' to the idol or the fandom in general. When making this piece, for example, I enjoyed experimenting with more traditionally feminine styling regarding the member’s hair and makeup. This is because Ateez is a group that has been quite open about their belief that clothes are genderless, and so it felt fitting to draw elements of that into my art.

'My Muse'

Stray Kids Fan art

For this piece, I was inspired by the nine muses of Greek mythology, the goddesses of literature, science, and the arts. Just like how the Greek muses inspired many artists in ancient times, Stray Kids have become 'muses' themselves for fans around the world, myself included. This piece depicts each member embodying a muse who reflects their personalities and roles within the group. Details within the drawing subtly hint at these connections. It is through small factors such as this that fans express their knowledge of each member. To complete the parallel with the nine muses, I've also included a depiction of 'Stay,' Stray Kids' fandom. Not only does this fill the space left by the extra muse, but it also felt important to include a representation of the fans in this piece. The figure of 'Stay' stands blindfolded in the centre frame, holding the Stray Kids logo to reflect the blind faith and unwavering support fans offer their idols.

'Welcome to the Circus'

Tomorrow by Together (TXT) Fan art

This piece of fan art is somewhat different to the others I have created because it was made as a gift for a friend. I wanted to make a connection between something that I love, that being Laika studio’s 2009 film Coraline, and the Idol group that my friend was such a huge fan of. This piece was relatively difficult for me, not only because of the amount of detail I included but also because I wasn't as familiar with the members as a true fan might be. However, I found there to be something quite special about making a piece of art for someone else and when making this, I found that I really had to try to view the idols from the perspective of my friend to know how I wanted to portray each member. During this process of researching each member and trying to portray them as authentically as I can, I learnt more about the people that my friend was so devoted to and in turn I was able to feel closer to my friend.

'Thunder and Lighting'

Scoups and Jeonghan (Seventeen) Fan art

These two complimentary pieces of work were at first inspired by a poem I read at the time but have unfortunately forgotten. The poem describes how, during a storm, it is often the thunder that seems the most intimidating while the lightning is the one that is truly the most dangerous. This fondly reminded me of two of the eldest members of Seventeen, Scoups and Jeonghan. Scoups as the leader and a member of the 'hip hop unit' is often given tough concepts that portray him as being loud and intimidating. In truth, he is known by fans to be very gentle and kind. Conversely, Jeonghan known for his angelic voice and appearance in the 'vocal unit' of seventeen is infamous for his devious and hilariously scheming behaviour in Seventeen’s variety show 'Going Seventeen'. I found this metaphor of them as thunder and lighting to be compelling which served as my main inspiration for this diptych.

'The Beginning'

Taemin Fan art

While my artwork usually focuses on celebrating K-pop idols, this piece takes a different approach. Using Taemin as a model, a K-pop artist known for defying expectations of masculinity through fashion and performance, I wanted to explore the concept of gender fluidity and societal pressures.

The painting features two figures – one feminine and one masculine – both based on Taemin. This choice is deliberate. By using the same person as the base, I tried to blur the lines between traditionally masculine and feminine traits. Neither figure is inherently 'Taemin'; they both represent different aspects of him, emphasising that gender exists on a spectrum, not as a fixed binary.

The feminine figure embodies societal constraint. Her posture, with a held chin and averted gaze, suggests a feeling of being confined by expectations. In contrast, the masculine figure appears powerful with a direct gaze. However, his hunched posture and the restraining hand on his shoulder reveal that masculinity also comes with limitations.

My choice to include a snake in the background, a reference to Adam and Eve from the Bible's creation story, adds another layer of meaning. It connects the painting to the very foundation of societal gender roles. Interestingly, Taemin's dogs are also named Adam and Eve, Which I thought added a touch of humour to the complex theme and a little easter egg for other fans. Overall, this piece is a meditation on gender expression, using Taemin's image to challenge traditional binaries and explore the nuances of identity.

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