The South Korea Exhibit

This work is based on a collection of found objects from my home in Andeok-myeon on Jeju Island, which was my residence from 2018 to 2022. Jeju Island is a South Korean territory located south of mainland Korea. I used photography and fabric manipulation as a way to navigate through cultural and language barriers to build a relationship with the island. 

Two famous symbols of Jeju: lava rock and camellia flowers, are used in juxtaposition with modern Asian building techniques to investigate Jeju’s nature, history, and culture to create a deeper meaning for the place I inhabited.

Learning to Build New Relationships
Photograph
2021

Rusted found objects arranged by category

It has a meaning: “I love you more than anyone”
Photograph
2021

Fallen Jeju camellia flowers arranged in order of decomposition

Rusted Relationships
Photograph
2019-2021

1 liter Jeju mordant (crystalized iron oxide)

Erasing my Identity
Fabric Manipulation
2019-2020

Jeju camellias and mordant on linen lifted with a bleach pen made in China

Traditional Jeju Work Jacket
Fabric Manipulation
2019-2021

Linnen dyed with Jeju mordant, Japanese saffron, and mold US Women’s Size Medium

Pushing Significance
Photograph
2021

Mortar cast camellia flower on Jeju lava rock

Scorched Earth Operations
Photograph
2020-2021

Camellia candles cast with discarded Diaso candle wax burning on Jeju lava rock

I Can Find Feelings at the Dollar Store
Photograph
2020-2021

Camellia candles cast with discarded Diaso candle wax burning on Jeju lava rock