Sae Jun Kim

Lives and works in New Haven, CT, USA

Artist statement

In the pursuit of understanding our place within the intricate web of existence, my sculptural installations function as contemplative explorations of the paradoxes that define human-nature relations. They serve as intricate diagrams, interrogating human existence from a non-anthropocentric perspective while critically examining the inherent failures of interpreting the world through a limited, human-centric lens. Utilizing life-sized representations, muted palettes of raw materials, and pre-existing objects from both natural and industrial sources, I construct visually conflicting installations that challenge conventional notions of nature and reality. At the core of my inquiry lies a profound metaphysical guilt, rooted in the awareness that our existence inevitably contributes to ecological degradation. This guilt fuels my exploration of the ethics of observation, prompting reflections on how our perceptions shape our interactions with the world. Through the deliberate use of taxidermy foam, tinted glass, and motion-controlled opaque films, I aim to disrupt and highlight the viewer's perception of constructed reality, inviting them to confront their biases and the romanticized ideals ascribed to nature. My work often critiques the commodification of nature, addressing both the exploitation of physical resources and the over-romanticized ideas that obscure our perception of reality. Preconceived depictions—such as taxidermy forms, commercially packaged natural elements,...

Artwork