Artist statement

The memory could be an image, scene or feeling about memorable certain events what I had gone through. My art is a journey to nd memories hid- den in my mind then I want to awaken some kind of feelings to people. Evoked feelings may cause people to recall their memories. So I think that the aim of art that makes people remind and affect them. To share their thought or feelings each other will be a good way to communicate be- tween artist and viewers.

I wonder how our memory survives and how it changes as time goes by. I focus on memory remained in our unconsciousness which can be remained intact as before or can be edited according to time, feeling or effect of their surroundings.

I create work about memory — lost memories, forgotten memories, unfor- gettable memories from childhood, memories that I try to remember but cannot, memories deeply etched into my heart, or memories that follow and torture me even if I try to wriggle out of it. I like to talk about these various memories. To me, memory is like a mischievous fairy. It breathes alive within me; it sometimes stores my memories little by little in a “small room” and then unleashes them by opening the door at unexpected mo- ments (when the memory hurts worst). Or it hides “the room of memory” and closes the door when I need to remember. Now and then, it pushes precious memories that I like to remember into the deepest recesses of my heart. It makes those memories gradually fade away. Since the mischievous fairy never listens to me and always acts as it pleases, I cannot control it. It is unruly. Therefore, my work intends to deliver the feelings of not being able to hold onto something even if I try to, or of something that is untouchable even if it is visible.

I unravel my personal memories or talk about memory in general. If my audiences succeeded in having similar experiences through my memories, I would like them to recall those moments, and if they have not, I would like to make them experience that feeling. I make art because I like to share memories and feelings of the moment with others. Even though people feel and experience things differently, I think that there is a certain common ground. And discovering that common ground is the goal of my work. In addition, there are clear differences as well. Since I grew up in an Asian culture, things are different from what one might experience in Western culture. I think that learning and realizing these differences through communication is the very idea of cultural exchange. Speaking of love, for example, sex is the nal stage of love in Korea, but here, it is the begin- ning. Or it is about discussing cultural differences I experienced while living here. These are perhaps con icts between the memories of my home- town that I recall and the memories I am having here. It might be interest- ing to talk about the friction caused by being exposed to an environment that is different from the one I grew up with.

As I have been curiously researching memory, I came to wonder where memory is stored. What kind of memory lies beyond memory? Are memories that I cannot remember rotting away? Are memories that I cannot remem- ber meaningful at all to me? The duration of memory is determined by how much effort one puts into it. I like to preserve memories that I nd pre- cious so that they can last for a long time. That’s why I make art about memory. I feel that the more I remember, the richer the person I become. I am satis ed because I feel that my past was not a waste of time. That’s why I create art and endeavor to convey memory. Instead of remembering the past that is already passed, I like to protect my identity and my past, because they are what shaped me into the person I am today. Therefore, I want my audiences to recall their own memory of something. I like to give them a momentary rustling in the heart. I hope that the mischievous fairy comes for a visit and wakes them up even for a moment, so that with that elation they can live today.