Hi-hi! I have a new group to show you!
I've found some K-Pop groups and soloists who are openly LGBT, and even talked about some of them on here before.
The first one I talked about was Lady, who was the first and only K-Pop girl group made up of all trans women. That post EXPLODED. I'm grateful for all the love that post received.
The most recent one I've talked about is LIONESSES, the first and only (so far) K-Pop boy group made up of men who are openly LGBT, the members are all hidden except for their leader, and one of the members is a drag queen! They're also the first and only boy group I've stanned. (There's a boy group from first gen who I like only because of their discography. I might make a post about them at some point, but it's not easy to find a ton of information about the group itself because of their name.)
I've mentioned that I couldn't find any K-Pop groups, idols, or soloists who are trans men or nonbinary. Well, that has since changed! They are a newer group (they just debuted a couple months ago), and they're the topic of this post!
The group's name is QI.X. They’re the first idol group in Korea with all the members being openly genderqueer as a whole! (I really hope that paints an accurate picture. I don't know how else to explain it. 😅 Please don't hurt me. /srs)
Here they are! From left to right: YOURA, Maek, Prin, and jiGOOK
This is Prin. They're the leader of the group, main vocalist, lead rapper, main dancer, the youngest, and they're nonbinary! They're also vegan!
This is jiGOOK. He is the oldest in the group, the lead vocalist, and main rapper. They are a genderfluid nonbinary trans man. Sometimes they identify as genderless. He is a drag artist and has three cats!
This is Maek. They are the second oldest in the group, the main vocalist, and lead rapper. They are genderqueer. They were friends with Prin pre-debut. They're working at a trans rights organization in Korea called "JOGAKBO" and work at the Seoul Disabled People's Rights Film Festival.
This is YOURA. They are the third oldest in the group and a lead vocalist. They're currently questioning their gender identity and don't want to label themself as of right now. They majored in acting, but they're also interested in traditional arts, music, and movement.
Here's a couple more pluses: They’re independent AND all of them are adults! (Reason why I bring up the second part is because there are way too many minors in the industry and it makes me so uncomfortable. One of my ult groups does have a member who's like seventeen, but the rest of the members are adults. The youngest member of said ult group is not my bias. My biases in that group are all adults.)
Here is a video of them performing their song "Lights Up":
Their social media handles:
Twitter: @ QIX_Official
Instagram: @ qix_official
TikTok: @ officialqix
Their YouTube is in the video!
Have a good day, everyone! 💕
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Korean Art and Craft: A Fusion of Timeless Traditions
Korean art and craft are a mesmerizing fusion of several traditions from this culturally rich country. Rooted in ancient customs, these art forms have evolved over the centuries, encompassing calligraphy, pottery, painting, and handicrafts. Utilizing a diverse array of mediums, colors, textures, and materials, these artistic skills have been passed down through generations by master craftsmen. Let's delve into the unique and captivating world of traditional Korean art and craft.
Calligraphy - An Art of Elegance:
Among the most cherished Korean art forms is calligraphy, the art of handwriting. Its origins lie in China but were embraced and refined by Korean artists over the centuries. The beauty of calligraphy lies in the character lines, brushstroke intensity, and nuanced tones of ink. Calligraphers often use the "Four Treasures of the Study" - paper, brush, ink stick, and inkstone - to create their masterpieces. This art form shares a connection with ink and wash painting, as both utilize similar tools.
In Korean calligraphy, the "Four Friends" are paper, a brush, an ink stick, and an ink stone, collectively known as Munbangsawoo. Traditional hanji, made from Korean mulberry, is a preferred paper for calligraphy, offering excellent absorbency and reflection of ink. Calligraphy in Korean art encompasses various styles, including script calligraphy, cursive or grass script, block script, and official script.
Korean Pottery - A Tale of Timeless Beauty:
Korean pottery is another exquisite art form deeply ingrained in the country's history. Three main types of Korean pottery are commonly distinguished - Cheongja (blue-green celadon), Buncheong (slip-coated stoneware), and Baekja (white porcelain). Each type holds its own unique allure, but the white porcelain, in particular, has garnered praise from collectors worldwide.
Goryeo Celadon, crafted between 700 and 1,000 years ago, is renowned for its jade blue color and intricate inlay decoration. White porcelain, the primary ceramic art between 100 and 600 years ago, features motifs painted with oxidized iron, copper, or cobalt blue pigments imported from Persia via China. On the other hand, Buncheong porcelain, developed by Goryeo potters, gained popularity under the Joseon dynasty, presenting a realistic and unpretentious style.
Handcrafts - A Reflection of Artistry:
Korean artisans once created an array of handcrafted goods for their homes, showcasing their skill and creativity. They wove beautiful baskets, boxes, and mats using bamboo, adorned with natural black and red lacquer for durability and beauty. Masks, dolls, and ceremonial ornaments made from Korean mulberry paper demonstrated their artistry.
Embroidery, decorative knot-making (made up), and natural dyes also played a significant role in traditional Korean arts and crafts. The art of hand embroidery, the most time-consuming and skill-intensive of all, captivates with its intricate designs of silk flowers and animals. Additionally, jogakbo, made by stitching small pieces of fabric together, serves as both wrapping cloth and an artistic marvel.
Paintings - Portraits of Korean History:
Painting has long been the cornerstone of Korean art, providing glimpses into the country's beliefs, artistic sensibilities, and techniques. Goguryeo tomb paintings, dating back centuries, offer valuable insights into early Korean artistry and beliefs. Goryeo artists excelled in capturing Buddhist icons, while Joseon's literary elite were drawn to idealized landscapes and plant and animal symbolism.
Types of Korean paintings include Daoist paintings, Buddhist paintings found in abundance at temples, Confucian paintings with themes of fidelity and filial piety, and decorative paintings used for ornamental purposes. The works of artists like Kim Hong-do and Sin Yun-bok added diversity and realism to Korean art, depicting scenes of everyday life and even moments of intimacy.
Korean art and craft, a treasure trove of diverse traditions, continue to inspire awe and admiration. These art forms, from calligraphy's graceful strokes to pottery's timeless beauty, reflect the nation's rich cultural heritage. The preservation efforts by organizations like the National Intangible Heritage Centre and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation have ensured that these masterpieces remain alive and cherished. Today, galleries and exhibits proudly showcase these crafts, offering an invaluable glimpse into Korea's illustrious history and artistic legacy.
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Mark Jan Krayenhoff
“His philosophy stems from architectural thinking: a drive for the tectonic, for organic wholeness, and for total formal integration”
This architect turned designer has a very interesting take on patchwork similar to the jogakbo style of patchwork that I researched previously. Mark has a unique approach to fashion design that stems from his background in architecture, he using architectural software, AutoCAD which he's been using for over twenty years.
The use of materials in his patchwork shirts is a crucial part of what makes his designs so unique as the light shines through similar to stained glass.
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