The Birth of Chaos

by Nadia Rausa

The Birth of Chaos — Before its splitting, Korea (or Corea) was known as “The Land of Tigers.” The Korean people, my ancestors, lived amongst tigers—both in harmony and fear. In Korean mythology, tigers can represent beginnings, both when stories start with “when tigers used to smoke…” rather than “once upon a time,” and as part of Korea’s creation story, Legend of Dangun (단군). They can also represent strength and protection, all the while representing danger or the greed and corruption of oppressors and the rich.

During my research for this piece, I learned more about the Korean tiger. Not only did they go extinct, but the last one was seen during the last Japanese occupation. After the land and peoples were separated by other world powers, Korean tigers were never seen again.

It’s like the tiger embodies all of existence—birth, death, and everything in between.

This was the inspiration behind my piece, ‘The Birth of Chaos.’

Medium: Clay and acrylic on wooden board
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 in (~22 x 22 cm)

$352 $352

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Nadia Rausa

Nadia Rausa (she/they) is a half-Korean artist and author living on Dena'ina land, commonly referred to as Southcentral Alaska. Her work has been described as haunting and ethereal, something she wholeheartedly embraces during her creative process. From ghostly or apathetic figures to creatures overtaken by nature, Nadia’s work focuses on intertwining the reality and liminality of life and death. She has been included in various gallery shows and publications since 2017 and has released seven small self-published works as of 2023.

Outside of creating, you can find Nadia communing with ravens and dwelling in moss. She enjoys spending her free time sitting in nature, gaming of board/card and video varieties, reading horror and fantasy stories, and spending time with her partner and their sassy tabby cat named Tabby.