I am interested in exploring exotic objects from different cultures and eras, particularly those that might seem impractical but have symbolic meanings. Contemplating the intentions behind their creation and unraveling the embedded significance often blurs the lines between these artifacts and everyday items. Sacred objects and images reflect the value system that the group of that era wanted to instill. In my work, I reinterpret archetypal images commonly found in many cultures, including religion, shamanism, and science, to examine how individuals have been individualized and how they believe in subjectivity. And it expands to the question of how far a community can influence an individual and sympathize with their problems. In this process, I try to understand the formed values and beliefs by examining the overlaps between objects existing in specific situations and representing normative order.

 

In the contemporary era, the anxiety and fear that individuals experience under the name of 'freedom' and 'subjectivity' are often regarded as personal issues, lacking community empathy. Throughout history, I delve into the beliefs that have surrounded individuals and communities to counteract the fear and anxiety about life, and the objects and actions that have materialized them. It is noteworthy that the rituals of the past, originally intended to address individual mental problems from a community perspective, have transformed into entertainment elements such as plays, performances, and concerts. This exhibition seeks to establish a connection between the role of rituals and the innate human inclination for play, creating a space in which imaginative rituals can unfold. The installation employs everyday objects, toys, moving images, and sound sculptures to replace ritual elements such as specific places, sacred objects, and music.

 

Yuli Sung received her BFA from Hong-Ik University in Korea and her MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art in the USA. In her previous work, she focused on the value system that is formed based on culture and era through reward systems and heraldry, which effectively reveal the values and duality of the community. She examined individual problems from a community perspective and explored the use of sacred objects and images - such as those found in myths, religions, superstitions, and science - in an attempt to overcome 'anxiety'. She aims to continue visually expressing these ideas, experimenting with various objects and images using everyday objects and familiar images to create new forms of expression. Recently, she participated in UNDERCURRENT (2022, Ely Center of Contemporary Art) and Memory... and Hope (2021, Suchang Youth Art Festival). She has participated in the Vermont Studio Center (2019), Wassaic Project (2022), and Abrons Arts Center residency (2022), and will continue her work at the Cheongju Art Studio in 2023.​