About Soo Hyeon Kim
-Can you introduce yourself?
Soo Hyeon Kim is an interdisciplinary artist whose work centers around creating micro-ecosystems that emulate natural processes. Through these carefully constructed environments, she explores the intricate relationship between time, natural phenomena, and the boundaries between the artificial and the natural. Born in South Korea and relocating to the United States at the age of 14, She brings a unique cultural perspective to their practice. She earned a BFA from the University of Michigan in 2015 and an MA from the Royal College of Art in 2018. Soo Hyeon’s art invites viewers to contemplate the dynamics of nature and the artificial, offering a nuanced exploration of ecological systems and temporal change.
-What made you become an artist and What inspired you to use paraffin wax?
My wax work began with a trip to Zhangjiajie, China. During the tour, I visited the Yellow Dragon Cave, and what seemed like a typical cave experience had a significant impact on my work. Fascinated by the process of creation, I became curious about the time it takes for stalactites to form from the dripping, limestone-rich water. I was captivated by how these droplets accumulate over thousands of years to create diverse and colorful natural formations. The most beautiful aspects of nature often require long journeys to remote places to witness. Inspired by the desire to have such rare beauty close by, I started working with wax. I reinterpret my experiences, including the artificial lights that clash with the natural stalactites, the chilly atmosphere, and the musty smell, through my own artistic lens.
-What is unique about your work?
My process is very experimental. Paraffin wax is unpredictable material. It has a remarkable ability to melt congruently and solidify at certain temperatures, and I have learned to use that to my advantage. The versatility of the material it that both solid and liquid changes are immediately observable, and its viscosity when it is solidifying is almost like time slowing down.
-When do you feel joy during the process of creating work?
I find it enjoyable when unexpected forms are created. Even when they are made under the same temperature and with the same mesh panel on the same day, each piece turns out completely differently. It’s also fascinating to step away for a while and return and see how tall it has become.
-Please tell me about your passion for your work.
I have a deep interest to experiment with the possibility of paraffin wax. Over the past couple of years, with my passion towards paraffin wax, I have learnt how to manipulate the wax such that it can solidify into forms that seem to defy gravity. It is this stillness of time that makes this material so appealing to me.
- What is your greatest source of inspiration?
I mainly draw inspiration from nature, which is why I enjoy traveling to observe it. I find it fascinating to watch the small changes that occur over time in natural environments. For examples, the formations of stalagmites over time, erosion of soil and rocks by wind or water, tidal movements and etc. are what I like to watch during my travel.
- Could you please tell me what you like about Seoul?
Seoul is a vibrant city where people can experience both traditional and modern vibes. I like how the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences from ancient landmarks like Gyeongbokgung to vibrant energy of neighbirhoods such as Gangnam and SungSu-dong.
- Are there any places in Seoul where you feel inspired?
I would say for me, my studio is the most inspired place in Seoul. I have everything to inspire me in my studio including all kinds of wax, colorful pigments, and equipment to make works. But other thanmy studio, I would like to recommend Wondae-ri Birch Forest in Inje. It has over 690,000 birch trees, and In winter, the snow-blanketed white birches creates a picturesque landscape
- If you were to stay in Seoul for one night, which restaurant would you absolutely recommend?
Experiencing the local cuisine is one of the best ways to understand a country. I would recommend any Korean BBQ places to experience Korea. By enjoying Korean BBQ, grilling and sharing meat, and having drinks together, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Korea and the culture.
-What do you think about Japanese art?
I feel like Japanese art focuses on craftmanship and details in forms in both traditional practices and modern creations. The balance between simplicity and complexity is strong aspect of Japanese art, and I admire the harmony and craftmanship.
-What would you like to do in the future as an artist?
I believe that all artists aspire to continually develop and expand their work. My aim is to advance my practice without limitations and to create sustainable art. I aspire to be an artist who consistently explores and expresses my ideas through ongoing research into my materials.
-Could you please share a few words regarding your participation in the event with UNDECORATED?
I am honored to work with UNDECORATED and grateful for the opportunity to holdmy first solo exhibition in Japan. It has already been a year since I met UNDECORATED, and I appreciate for your efforts to handle my requests for a successful exhibition. I hope this opportunity allows me to introduce my work and Korean art as well to Japan.
Soo Hyeon Kim is an interdisciplinary artist whose work centers around creating micro-ecosystems that emulate natural processes. Through these carefully constructed environments, she explores the intricate relationship between time, natural phenomena, and the boundaries between the artificial and the natural. Born in South Korea and relocating to the United States at the age of 14, She brings a unique cultural perspective to their practice. She earned a BFA from the University of Michigan in 2015 and an MA from the Royal College of Art in 2018. Soo Hyeon’s art invites viewers to contemplate the dynamics of nature and the artificial, offering a nuanced exploration of ecological systems and temporal change.
-What made you become an artist and What inspired you to use paraffin wax?
My wax work began with a trip to Zhangjiajie, China. During the tour, I visited the Yellow Dragon Cave, and what seemed like a typical cave experience had a significant impact on my work. Fascinated by the process of creation, I became curious about the time it takes for stalactites to form from the dripping, limestone-rich water. I was captivated by how these droplets accumulate over thousands of years to create diverse and colorful natural formations. The most beautiful aspects of nature often require long journeys to remote places to witness. Inspired by the desire to have such rare beauty close by, I started working with wax. I reinterpret my experiences, including the artificial lights that clash with the natural stalactites, the chilly atmosphere, and the musty smell, through my own artistic lens.
-What is unique about your work?
My process is very experimental. Paraffin wax is unpredictable material. It has a remarkable ability to melt congruently and solidify at certain temperatures, and I have learned to use that to my advantage. The versatility of the material it that both solid and liquid changes are immediately observable, and its viscosity when it is solidifying is almost like time slowing down.
-When do you feel joy during the process of creating work?
I find it enjoyable when unexpected forms are created. Even when they are made under the same temperature and with the same mesh panel on the same day, each piece turns out completely differently. It’s also fascinating to step away for a while and return and see how tall it has become.
-Please tell me about your passion for your work.
I have a deep interest to experiment with the possibility of paraffin wax. Over the past couple of years, with my passion towards paraffin wax, I have learnt how to manipulate the wax such that it can solidify into forms that seem to defy gravity. It is this stillness of time that makes this material so appealing to me.
- What is your greatest source of inspiration?
I mainly draw inspiration from nature, which is why I enjoy traveling to observe it. I find it fascinating to watch the small changes that occur over time in natural environments. For examples, the formations of stalagmites over time, erosion of soil and rocks by wind or water, tidal movements and etc. are what I like to watch during my travel.
- Could you please tell me what you like about Seoul?
Seoul is a vibrant city where people can experience both traditional and modern vibes. I like how the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences from ancient landmarks like Gyeongbokgung to vibrant energy of neighbirhoods such as Gangnam and SungSu-dong.
- Are there any places in Seoul where you feel inspired?
I would say for me, my studio is the most inspired place in Seoul. I have everything to inspire me in my studio including all kinds of wax, colorful pigments, and equipment to make works. But other thanmy studio, I would like to recommend Wondae-ri Birch Forest in Inje. It has over 690,000 birch trees, and In winter, the snow-blanketed white birches creates a picturesque landscape
- If you were to stay in Seoul for one night, which restaurant would you absolutely recommend?
Experiencing the local cuisine is one of the best ways to understand a country. I would recommend any Korean BBQ places to experience Korea. By enjoying Korean BBQ, grilling and sharing meat, and having drinks together, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Korea and the culture.
-What do you think about Japanese art?
I feel like Japanese art focuses on craftmanship and details in forms in both traditional practices and modern creations. The balance between simplicity and complexity is strong aspect of Japanese art, and I admire the harmony and craftmanship.
-What would you like to do in the future as an artist?
I believe that all artists aspire to continually develop and expand their work. My aim is to advance my practice without limitations and to create sustainable art. I aspire to be an artist who consistently explores and expresses my ideas through ongoing research into my materials.
-Could you please share a few words regarding your participation in the event with UNDECORATED?
I am honored to work with UNDECORATED and grateful for the opportunity to holdmy first solo exhibition in Japan. It has already been a year since I met UNDECORATED, and I appreciate for your efforts to handle my requests for a successful exhibition. I hope this opportunity allows me to introduce my work and Korean art as well to Japan.