KIM JONGHYEON
based in Seoul, Korea
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ARTIST STATEMENT
I work by following feelings and sensations that are difficult to explain. I am particularly interested in the unfamiliar and complex impressions that emerge when familiar objects are changed or rearranged. I also pay attention to the cognitive and sensory responses evoked by the work. Through this process, I explore my inner self.
At times, a certain image or situation creates a feeling that weirdly touches something within me. I follow that feeling, thinking that it might lead me closer to something essential about myself. But the closer I get, the more its form seems to scatter. I therefore choose to keep a certain distance and carefully bring it into my work.
Unrefined and varied impressions become part of the work. I take apart and adjust certain elements, gradually shaping the final impression through visual language. Some elements cannot be clearly explained, but simply feel right. At times, I choose to respect and leave them untouched.
Once the work is completed, these elements allow it to function not only as something I have created, but as an extension of myself, giving the work a role as an object of further exploration. The process itself is part of the purpose, while also becoming a source for the work that follows.