"to_UNDECORATED" will be hosting "IN THE FLOW," a solo exhibition by Seoul-based international artist Soo Hyeon Kim, for nine days starting October 12th. During the exhibition period, visitors to groundfloor Gallery will be able to observe the unique creation process of her works, which are naturally formed as paraffin wax melts under the heat of light and microscopic droplets accumulate.

Here, we present the answers to 12 questions posed to Soo Hyeon Kim, regarding her background as an artist and her aspirations.

 

1. First, please introduce yourself.
My name is Soo Hyeon Kim.
I was born in Korea and moved to the United States at the age of 14. I continue to create from my unique cultural perspective, earning a BFA from the University of Michigan in 2015 and an MA from the Royal College of Art in 2018. As an artist, I am interdisciplinary, with "natural processes and ecosystems" as my main theme. Through my works, I aim to encourage viewers to explore and contemplate the natural environment and ecosystems—and by extension, the complex relationships between time, natural phenomena, and the boundaries of artificial and natural.

-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.

 

 

2. What inspired you to become an artist, and particularly, what led you to create works using paraffin wax?
My journey into creating works with paraffin wax began after a visit to the Yellow Dragon Cave in Zhangjiajie, China. I was captivated by the time and creative process involved in the formation of stalactites from dripping calcareous water, and how diverse and colorful natural formations emerge over thousands of years. Driven by a desire to bring this rare beauty and the sensory experiences derived from such long journeys and natural activities closer, I arrived at my current creative method: art naturally formed as paraffin wax melts and drips. Through an artistic lens, I reinterpret my life experiences, including the interaction of natural stalactites with artificial light, the quiet atmosphere, and the scents.

-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.

3. What are the characteristics and highlights of your work?
Paraffin wax has the property of consistently melting and solidifying at specific temperatures. I have repeatedly experimented and learned to effectively utilize this property. The fascinating aspect of my work is the close observation of its transition from solid to liquid. Especially, the viscosity of paraffin wax as it begins to solidify gives a sensation as if time is flowing slowly.

-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.

 

4. When do you feel joy during the creative process?
The creative process is very experimental. The forms that melting wax will take are unpredictable. Therefore, when truly unexpected shapes emerge, it fills me with great emotion.

Even when made at the same temperature, using the same mesh panel, on the same day, each piece turns out completely different. The moment I step away from my work for a while and then return to observe what shape it has taken is truly captivating.

-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.





5. Could you tell me about your passion and dedication to your artwork?
I have a deep interest and passion for exploring the possibilities of paraffin wax as a material. To give shape to this passion, I've explored ways to manipulate the wax to form shapes that seem to defy gravity. Also, the stillness of the space that flows while it melts makes this material very appealing to me.

-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.



6. What is your greatest source of inspiration?
I draw immense inspiration from "nature." I try to travel, engage with nature, and incorporate those experiences into my creative work. It's fascinating to observe the subtle changes that occur in nature over time. For example, I'm strongly inspired by the formation of stalactites over time, the erosion of soil and rocks by wind and water, and the movement of tides.

- 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.

 

7. Changing the subject a little, could you tell me what you like about Seoul?
Seoul is a city where you can experience both traditional and modern atmospheres. I like how it offers a variety of experiences, from historic landmarks of the Joseon Dynasty like Gyeongbokgung to vibrant areas like Gangnam and Seongsu-dong.

- 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.

 

8. Are there any places in Seoul where you feel inspired?
For me, my studio is the most inspiring place. It's equipped with various types of wax, colorful pigments, and equipment for making art, and everything stimulates me. Outside of my studio, I'd recommend the Wondae-ri Birch Forest in Inje. It has over 690,000 birch trees, and in winter, the snow-covered birches create a truly picturesque scene.

- 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 

Soo Hyeon Kim's studio

9. If you were staying in Seoul for one night, what food would you recommend?
I would definitely recommend trying local cuisine. I believe it's one of the best ways to understand a country. Otherwise, I'd recommend a Korean BBQ restaurant. By enjoying Korean BBQ, grilling and sharing meat, and having drinks together, you can gain a deeper understanding of Korea and its culture.

- 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.

 

10. What are your thoughts on Japanese art?
I feel that Japanese art focuses on craftsmanship and detail in form, in both traditional techniques and contemporary creative methods. The balance between simplicity and complexity is a strong aspect of Japanese art, and I admire its harmony and craftsmanship.

-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.

 

11. What do you aspire to do as an artist in the future?
I believe artists should aim to continuously develop and grow their own work. My goal is to pursue my creative practice without limitations and to create sustainable art. I want to be an artist who continuously explores and expresses my ideas through ongoing research into my materials.

-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.



12. Please share a few words about your participation in the event with UNDECORATED.
I am honored to work with UNDECORATED and grateful for the opportunity to hold my first solo exhibition in Japan.
It has already been a year since I met UNDECORATED, and I sincerely appreciate all the efforts made to create the right environment for a successful exhibition.
I hope this opportunity allows my work and Korean art to be known to everyone in Japan.

-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 Solo Exhibition "IN THE FLOW"
【Exhibition Period】
October 12th (Saturday) - October 20th (Monday)
1pm - 7pm

【Venue】
groundfloor Gallery
2F, 1-8-1 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo