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Seen & Unseen

2023 ~ 2025
SEEN AND UNSEEN

Through the fundamental medium of photography, the artist seeks to narrate the essence of visual expression, using it as a powerful tool to bridge the seen and unseen aspects of human experience. The "Seen and Unseen" project, inspired by Sophie Calle's "The Blind" (1986), expands on the idea of identity and inner life beyond the limitations of sight. Drawing from Calle's exploration of the unseen world of perception, this project becomes a visual investigation of human existence that moves beyond the traditional reliance on visual representation, offering a deeper reflection on the complex layers of personal identity, memory, and perception.

This project embodies a poignant exploration of human identity, inner life, and the profound connections between sight and tactile perception. The artist delves into the relationship between the visible and invisible aspects of the human experience, using Braille symbols as a tactile language to translate the unseen into a visual narrative. The deliberate use of Braille evokes themes of perception, inclusion, and the complexities of communication beyond conventional sight, offering a rich layer of sensory experience and understanding.

The artist’s decision to transfer Braille symbols onto wooden modules and reassemble them into sculptural forms adds depth to the project, transforming the tactile into the visual. The wooden modules, stacked methodically, symbolize the fragmented yet interconnected nature of human identity, shaped by geographical shifts and personal experiences. Each individual module represents a small unit of meaning, collectively contributing to a larger, evolving narrative. The act of stacking, both literal and metaphorical, speaks to the gradual construction of the self, the aspiration to reach higher states of understanding, fulfillment, and the ongoing process of personal growth.

The project’s video component amplifies the theme of transformation and identity through iterative compositions that heighten the emotional intensity and suspense of the narrative. These repetitive visual motifs suggest the cyclical nature of life, where each moment builds upon the previous one, yet never fully replicates it—mirroring the nonlinear journey of personal growth. The interplay between sight and touch in this project invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of their own identity and life journey, considering how perception, memory, and experience shape the ongoing construction of selfhood.

By using English Braille as both a visual and tactile language, the artist challenges the traditional boundaries of art and perception, offering a unique sensory expression that engages both sight and touch. This immersive experience, blurring the lines between the seen and unseen, aims to evoke deep emotional responses, prompting introspection and a renewed understanding of identity, transformation, and belonging.

Seen and Unseen_Part II-Back to Korea

Seen and Unseen_Part II-Back to Korea

This video reflects the sense of unfamiliarity and complex identity confusion experienced when returning to my hometown. When the places I remember differ from their current state, familiar spaces feel strangely alien. After years of living abroad, I experience cultural dissonance and feelings of alienation, while changes in my relationships with friends and family amplify my sense of distance. I find myself questioning which culture I feel closer to, prompting me to reassess my identity. Ultimately, this confusion is part of my journey to understand and accept myself, expressing the process of discovering my true identity within it.

Through the fundamental medium of photography, the artist seeks to narrate the essence of visual expression, using it as a powerful tool to bridge the seen and unseen aspects of human experience. The "Seen and Unseen" project, inspired by Sophie Calle's "The Blind" (1986), expands on the idea of identity and inner life beyond the limitations of sight. Drawing from Calle's exploration of the unseen world of perception, this project becomes a visual investigation of human existence that moves beyond the traditional reliance on visual representation, offering a deeper reflection on the complex layers of personal identity, memory, and perception.

The project’s video component amplifies the theme of transformation and identity through iterative compositions that heighten the emotional intensity and suspense of the narrative. These repetitive visual motifs suggest the cyclical nature of life, where each moment builds upon the previous one, yet never fully replicates it—mirroring the nonlinear journey of personal growth. The interplay between sight and touch in this project invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of their own identity and life journey, considering how perception, memory, and experience shape the ongoing construction of selfhood.

This immersive experience, blurring the lines between the seen and unseen, aims to evoke deep emotional responses, prompting introspection and a renewed understanding of identity, transformation, and belonging.

Seen and Unseen_Part I

Seen and Unseen_Part I

Through the fundamental medium of photography, the artist seeks to narrate the essence of visual expression, using it as a powerful tool to bridge the seen and unseen aspects of human experience. The "Seen and Unseen" project, inspired by Sophie Calle's "The Blind" (1986), expands on the idea of identity and inner life beyond the limitations of sight. Drawing from Calle's exploration of the unseen world of perception, this project becomes a visual investigation of human existence that moves beyond the traditional reliance on visual representation, offering a deeper reflection on the complex layers of personal identity, memory, and perception.

The project’s video component amplifies the theme of transformation and identity through iterative compositions that heighten the emotional intensity and suspense of the narrative. These repetitive visual motifs suggest the cyclical nature of life, where each moment builds upon the previous one, yet never fully replicates it—mirroring the nonlinear journey of personal growth. The interplay between sight and touch in this project invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of their own identity and life journey, considering how perception, memory, and experience shape the ongoing construction of selfhood.

This immersive experience, blurring the lines between the seen and unseen, aims to evoke deep emotional responses, prompting introspection and a renewed understanding of identity, transformation, and belonging.

Transcendence_White

The concept of "Seen and Unseen" delves into the intersection of visual and non-visual experiences in photography, aiming to foster a deep understanding that transcends the surface content of images and engages with their emotional, cultural, and social contexts. Braille, traditionally used as a tool for the visually impaired to access information, becomes a powerful medium in this context, blurring the lines between visual and non-visual communication and opening new avenues for interaction.

The inclusion of English Braille to repeat the phrase "I'm Korean Canadian" serves as a visual representation of the photographer’s cultural identity. This technique emphasizes the artist's dual cultural background, offering viewers an enriched perspective on their personal identity and providing a new layer of understanding.

Moreover, the use of Braille in the work enhances accessibility and inclusivity, inviting diverse audiences—including those with visual impairments—to engage with the message. This commitment to accessibility reflects the artist’s desire to ensure that the artwork is meaningful and accessible to everyone, regardless of their sensory abilities.

Finally, Braille’s integration into photography elevates it beyond traditional visual communication, serving as an essential tool for universal communication. The message extends beyond the limitations of sight, fostering connections with a broader audience and ensuring that the work is not only seen but also felt on a deeper, more inclusive level.

"I am Korean Canadian"
⠠⠊ ⠠⠁⠍ ⠠⠅⠕⠗⠑⠁⠝ ⠠⠉⠁⠝⠐⠊⠁⠝
Language: English (U.S.) 1

Transcendence_Black

Destination

This artwork explores the artist's personal identity and geographical changes using traditional cyanotype photography and various materials. The artist employs crumpled hanji to express the shape of mountains from their homeland, printing these forms using the cyanotype technique. The hanji emphasizes the mountain imagery, evoking a connection to the natural world of the homeland. The addition of English Braille, spelling the phrase "I'm Korean Canadian" visually represents the artist's dual cultural background. The Braille serves not only as text but as a tactile and functional element that intensifies the message.

The inclusion of the Canadian Rocky Mountains symbolizes the artist's migration experience and the resulting geographical transformation. The grandeur of the Rockies and the passage of time across the mountain range metaphorically reflect the artist's journey of adapting to a new environment in Canada after leaving Korea. The mountains transcend mere natural depictions, becoming symbols of the artist's exploration of identity and life changes.

Finally, the technique of scorching the edges of the cyanotype images with fire adds profound meaning to the work. The charred edges symbolize the fading of memory and the passage of time, visually representing the nostalgia and longing for the homeland.

"I am Korean Canadian"
⠠⠊ ⠠⠁⠍ ⠠⠅⠕⠗⠑⠁⠝ ⠠⠉⠁⠝⠐⠊⠁⠝
Language: English (U.S.) 1

Self-rewriting-White

The artist's decision to transfer Braille symbols onto wooden modules and reassemble them in a sculptural form adds depth to the project, transforming tactile elements into a visual experience. The systematically stacked wooden modules symbolize the fragmented yet interconnected nature of human identity shaped by geographical changes and personal experiences. Each individual module represents a small unit of meaning, and collectively, they contribute to a larger, evolving narrative. The act of literally and metaphorically stacking these modules speaks to the gradual construction of the self, the aspiration to reach the ongoing process of personal growth.

"Striving towards The Settling in life"
⠠⠎⠞⠗⠊⠧⠊⠝⠛⠞⠕⠺⠁⠗⠙⠎ ⠠⠞⠓⠑ ⠎⠑⠞⠞⠇⠊⠝⠛ ⠊⠝ ⠇⠊⠋⠑
Language: English (U.S.) 1

Self-rewriting-Black

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