Cultivated
JooLee Kang
March 6 – 28, 2020
Gallery NAGA | 67 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116 | (617) 267–9060 | Tue.–Sat. 10–5pm
I focus on change of ecological environment, transition of living organism, and evolution, created inevitably, to survive together. I interprets complicated interaction between human and nature in various perspectives, asks for understanding and consideration of our possibility and dignity through pen drawing and mixed installation. I aim to go beyond simply recreating the mainstream issues of the present day such as humanity’s rule over nature, taking a neutral view that comes from a broader perspective and exploring the close symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature.
In my work, personification is shown, but no person appears. Animals, plants, insects, fruits, etc. occur, but the objects are trapped in the process of the conspiracy of the hybridization. The living organisms in drawings feel unfamiliar and imaginary but are in fact recreations of existed living organisms informed by research. The drawings present the ecosystem as well as traces of human civilization such as vases, pots, terrariums, glass dorms, tools, etc. Objects made by humans are things that we ascribe value to and possess, showing desires and intentions to take nature and coexist with it.
In particular, this exhibition ‘Cultivated’ focuses on the issues of hybridization and transplantation of plants, advancing from the confrontation, conflict and the hybridization of humans, nature, and animal ecosystem. The hybridity in my works revealed my contemplation about expressing complex tendencies and double side of something that is beautiful and at the same time not beautiful, but has unexpectedness. The twisted shapes do not end just in forms but are projected into the aesthetic dimension of sociability as it extends to the embodied mind in the process of work. That is why the hybridized works of bonsai deal with small matters and minor things, anguish about powerless objects, and things that have value because they are rare, and unique even if distorted.
My works are a metaphor for the close bond between humanity and nature, which are often thought of as being in diametrical opposition, or a relationship of subordination, but are in fact woven together like a single piece of fabric.
Without doubt, the concept of art differs from one to another. Art gives consolation to some people, while it awakens others. Sometimes art creates impression and moves people. Art is not a mere beautiful landscape or still life for me. I think art is something that is supposed to reflect the changes of life and reality. I believe that art must be a window to constantly communicate with the present and help us understand the world more, instead of just remaining as a dead artwork hung in the exhibition hall.