"The world is addicted to smartphones. It seems that there are no other things that people have obsessed over and kept at hand in human history. I have a keen interest in this phenomenon and have struggled with how to criticize it without being too serious or harsh," Kim Dong-Kyu explained on his website.

"We spend a significant amount of time using smartphones, and we now live in a world where even refrigerators, washing machines, gas stoves, and cars are connected to them. I wanted to demonstrate how our daily lives have changed, and also how absurd the figures in classical paintings look when drawn with modern smart devices. They are together yet disconnected, not only from the landscape but also from the people around them.

Smartphones are meant to enhance connection and communication, but in reality, it seems that only disconnection and superficiality remain."

Bored Panda reached out to Kim Dong-Kyu to ask him more about "Art X Smart". The author of this project shared that he does not consider himself an artist or an illustrator. "I'm just a regular guy who wanted to have some fun with an interesting social issue."

"This work was a fun way to express how smartphones have dramatically changed the way we communicate in modern society. I looked at the people in the classic paintings and thought it would be funny to put a smartphone in their hands and have them act as if it was normal for them to play games, take pictures, and listen to music on their phones, just like we do. It's funny how slowly you look at those images and think about how smartphones are affecting our lives today because modern technology has always emphasized connection and communication, but it has also brought disconnection and superficiality. I think it's even more interesting because I've been doing this work for 10 years now, and nothing seems to have changed except for the newer gadgets," Kim Dong-Kyu shared.

Kim Dong-Kyu is still very interested in art as well as social issues, but he also lives a normal life, just like the characters in his work. After being asked about his upcoming projects, the author replied that he is not sure what the future may hold. "South Korea is currently on the verge of revising its laws on working hours. In the direction of working more hours. Coupled with the declining birth rate, I don't know where we're headed. I think creativity and wit come from a relaxed mindset, but I'm afraid I don't have that right now. Hopefully, I'll be able to work on something else fun in the near future."