Print Archive
My artistic practice has been profoundly shaped by my experiences with geographical dislocation. Relocating from Korea to the United States, a journey spanning thousands of miles, fundamentally altered my perception of 'home' – transforming it from a static entity to a transient, evolving concept.
This thematic focus on transition, both spatial and psychological, has deeply influenced not only the themes of my work but also the materials I employ. As someone who has experienced frequent moves and the constant shipping of belongings, the act of shipping itself has become a poignant metaphor for my nomadic existence. It is this lived experience that led me to incorporate shipping boxes and labels into my art, symbolizing the dual notions of mobility and immobility, of perpetual movement amidst the longing for permanence.
Return to Sender is an exploration of this personal journey and the broader themes of immigration and cultural displacement. In this body of work, I map the trajectory of my life in the United States through the addresses on these packages, designating my old American residences as the senders and my current Korean address as the receiver. This reversal of roles – the returning of packages to their origins – serves as a metaphor for my own return to Korea and the ensuing struggle to reintegrate into a society that now feels unfamiliar.
Since moving back, the sensation of not fully belonging, of being culturally disoriented and rejected, has become a central motif of my work. Return to Sender is not just a reflection of my personal experiences; it's a commentary on the larger issues facing immigrants. In a world where global trade and cultural exchange are burgeoning, the rights of immigrants are increasingly constrained, borders are more heavily policed, and the feeling of cultural displacement is more acute than ever.
Through this series, I aim to shed light on these complex dynamics of immigration, mobility, and cultural disorientation. It is my hope that "Return to Sender" resonates not just as an expression of my own journey, but as an exploration of the universal challenges and nuances involved in navigating the landscapes of identity and belonging in our contemporary world.
