Kate Bae

Lives and works in New York, NY, USA

Artist statement

I have been exploring skin as a concept in my work. When I was younger, I would pick inner corner of my thumb trying to cope with stress - I learned that it’s called excoriation disorder. When I accidentally discovered that I can peel the dried acrylic paint rather than my own skin, I’ve realized that my neurosis can transform into assets. I focus on the medium and the language of painting to create dialogues about multiple identities, history and my Korean background. Instead of painting with brush, I cast and pour paint, then peel the paint bits and assemble them like a collage. The process ultimately changes the identity of painting into something else, not quite sculpture but not quite painting, mirroring my identity of not fully Korean nor American. The floral works represent nature but also form a system of communication that help to make sense of the disconnect and displacement between my home country and the United States. The idea of assimilation paralleling my experience as an immigrant is often present in my work.

Artwork