Sojung Kim Makes Recollections Tangible

I studied portray at Hongik College (BFA, 2016) and subsequently earned an MFA from the Pratt Institute in New York (2018). I just lately accomplished a doctorate in spatial design at Hongik College in 2024. My ongoing analysis and creative apply discover the intersection of superb artwork and spatial ideas. By means of steady experimentation, I examine embodied senses inside significant reminiscences, reaching depth by clear layering and distributed imaginative and prescient through fragmented shade sculptures. Reflecting the inherent ambiguity of reminiscence, these reminiscence sculptures, reasonably than possessing outlined types, search to unearth and categorical the sensory experiences, feelings, temperatures, and sounds held throughout the physique’s recall.

Like an image diary, I acquire fragments of reminiscences. All of it begins with small objects: seashells picked up from the seaside, stones discovered on the facet of the street, dried paint on palettes, and worn-down pencils. Folks connect which means to those small issues and maintain them expensive. We’re all collectors of reminiscences, creating tales in our minds from the fragments we discover. Even when they can’t be absolutely drawn out, these collected reminiscences exist with indelible feelings and sensations, remaining as significant traces.

My work start with a small hint that opens the door to reminiscences. I take note of the supplies I take advantage of, elevating the subject of co-evolution with the surroundings. The material I take advantage of is woven linen, reasonably than canvas, and the thick texture on the canvas is produced from items of paint collected from palettes or garlands. I additionally recycle varied objects in my work, comparable to plastic items, buttons, and threads.

The photographs in my work reveal a dreamy sense of depth, regardless that there isn’t a particular form or perspective. I take advantage of dreamy pastel colours and tactile textures with unclear types to precise the sensations and feelings skilled with the physique that exist in reminiscence. The colours of the floor and the colours from the again of the floor combine within the eye, lowering the flatness of the canvas and creating a peaceful appeal within the work.

The manufacturing course of begins with cloth choice. To realize numerous floor textures, I keep away from conventional cotton canvases and as an alternative make the most of hemp cloths and woven materials of various thicknesses. Jute is at the moment my major framing materials, and I choose materials with completely different weaves relying on the art work’s dimension and magnificence. For some items, I mix completely different cloth sections by stitching, adapting to the particular type I’m aiming for.

I then apply shade. Paint is blended with stone powder, and varied thickening brokers are utilized to the material. The interaction between the material’s properties and the viscosity of this combination creates a textured, mesh-like layer. The bottom’s texture and shade evolve with every repeated layer and shade variation.

To reinforce depth, I make use of a way the place paint is allowed to seep by from the again of the canvas. This enables the viewer’s eye to combine the colours on the entrance and the fragmented colours seen from the again, reasonably than the colours being bodily premixed. This strategy is meant so as to add depth to the portray and intensify the materiality of the floor.

 My visible language is constructed by combining objects that symbolize traces, in addition to by direct portray. These objects are both time-worn, reflecting the theme of “hint,” or designed to maximise tactile sensitivity. Examples embody thread-wrapped objects, objects incorporating small items of plastic, and brush-touched objects which I repurpose and reinvent every day.

I take note of the supplies I take advantage of, elevating the subject of co-evolution with the surroundings. The material I take advantage of is woven linen, reasonably than canvas, and the thick texture on the canvas is produced from items of paint collected from palettes or garlands. I additionally recycle varied objects in my work, comparable to plastic items, buttons, and threads.

It’s extremely rewarding when individuals join with my work and discover inspiration in them. As an illustration, I used to be deeply touched to listen to {that a} girl fortunately bought my art work on a 12-month installment plan just because she liked it a lot. Understanding that my work introduced her such consolation and pleasure made me really blissful as nicely.

<Infinite>, Acrylic and blended media on hemp material, 81 x 117cm, 2023

“Ready” evokes the reminiscence of a seaside scene, a spot the place one thing lies deserted. That object waits for its proprietor, a wait that would stretch indefinitely underground in the event that they by no means return. Meaningless issues are simply discarded, and the slower they decompose, the longer their lonely vigil. That is the destiny of the deserted. By means of this picture, I goal to spotlight how fashionable society’s environmental issues stem from our habits of readily assigning after which simply as readily discarding which means in our consumption-driven lives.

The water, a outstanding panorama function within the work, represents interplay and circulation. Whereas seemingly depicting a easy on a regular basis scene, it carries a deeper message: nothing exists in isolation. Simply as I see myself mirrored once I look into water, each motion has a consequence. The work serves as a reminder that our actions can return to us in some type at any time.