Kyeok Kim
Surface of Memory 02, 2025
Copper, ottchil (Korean natural lacquer), wood, FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastics)
H. 250 x W. 90 x D. 90 cm
H. 98 3/8 x W. 35 3/8 x D. 35 3/8 inches
H. 98 3/8 x W. 35 3/8 x D. 35 3/8 inches
Copyright The Artist
Further images
'Through the medium of skin texture, I seek to explore the layered strata of memory embedded within our inner selves. The act of grinding tree bark into powder and carefully...
"Through the medium of skin texture, I seek to explore the layered strata of memory embedded within our inner selves. The act of grinding tree bark into powder and carefully layering it onto the surface of a form using lacquer becomes a symbolic gesture—nature’s skin transferring into the skin of another being.
These materials carry ancient breaths. Within each particle lies time, sensation, and the fading trace of existence. I strive to hold onto these ephemeral remnants nestled within the matter.
Yet the powders do not stay where I intend. They scatter and vanish—just as the memories we wish to preserve blur, while those we long to forget remain vividly etched. The material escapes my control, and in that surrender, I begin to contemplate the temporality, the sensory essence, and the existential presence that matter holds.
This work is a journey of layering the weight of memory within scattered material—a quiet attempt to grasp the vanishing traces of being."
These materials carry ancient breaths. Within each particle lies time, sensation, and the fading trace of existence. I strive to hold onto these ephemeral remnants nestled within the matter.
Yet the powders do not stay where I intend. They scatter and vanish—just as the memories we wish to preserve blur, while those we long to forget remain vividly etched. The material escapes my control, and in that surrender, I begin to contemplate the temporality, the sensory essence, and the existential presence that matter holds.
This work is a journey of layering the weight of memory within scattered material—a quiet attempt to grasp the vanishing traces of being."
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