A shaman dances a demented dance 

Shin Yoon-bok created "A shaman dances a demented dance," using ink and light colors on paper, during a time of social upheaval in Korea. Shin's paintings offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, often challenging the strict Confucian norms of the time. Here, we see a shamanistic ritual, a practice that was often marginalized by the dominant culture. What is particularly striking is the emotional intensity captured in the shaman's movements and the rapt attention of the audience. The painting suggests an alternative narrative, validating the spiritual practices and beliefs of those on the margins. It invites us to consider the ways in which marginalized practices offered solace and community in a society marked by rigid social hierarchies. Shin Yoon-bok's works often evoke an emotional experience which shapes societal issues, reflecting the personal dimensions of those who lived it.