Seunga Sona Kim

SAIC SHOWS 2023 GRADUATE EXHIBITIONS

Graduates

SAIC SHOWS 2023 GRADUATE EXHIBITIONS

Master of Design in Fashion, Body and Garment

Seunga Sona Kim is a Chicago based Korean artist who was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. Kim’s work explores garments with the relation of individual’s persona and visual identity. Her art has expanded from wearable garment to paintings and sculptural works that was exhibited in many different cities such as Chicago, Wonju, Seoul, Manila and so on. Kim received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft focusing on metalsmithing and Bachelor of Science in Textile, Merchandising and Fashion Design from Seoul National University with the highest distinction and recently received a Master in Design in Fashion, Body and Garment at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Mockingbird 1-100, 2022-2023, used garments with zipper in wooden frames, size varies

Using zippers and used garments of the artist as metaphors for constant identity transition, this series of 100 pieces of artworks reflects on the artist's personal experiences of identity crisis and the complexities of defining oneself in a desire for perfection and acceptance. Through the simple yet powerful act of zipping up garments, the series embodies the possibility of transforming one's identity and invite viewers to explore their own relationship with their sense of self.

Seunga Sona Kim - Home of the Mockingbird 1/2/3

Home of the Mockingbird 1/2/3, 2023, used garments and canvas with zipper, 35 x 35.5 in. / 31 x 31 in. / 29.5 x 35 in

This series of artworks is a short story that explores the experience of cultural barriers and identity crisis through the metaphor of garments as borrowed feathers that transform one's appearance and create a unique persona for each setting, location, and occasion.

Seunga Sona Kim - Home of the Mockingbird 4

Home of the Mockingbird 4, 2023, used garments and canvas with zipper, 35 x 32 in.

Walking on the Cloud, 2021, fabric with zipper, 62 x 51 in.

Reflect on the happiness in your life as you step onto this portable cloud, a metaphorical representation of the Korean term 'Walking on the cloud' which conveys the deep joy and contentment one feels on a particularly happy day.

Redressing, 2021, fabric on painting, 16 x 21 in. / 15 x 13 in. / 14 x 13 in.

Through the simple act of redressing the subjects into a different outfit, this series of artworks explores how clothing garments can shape our identity and influence others' perceptions of us.

Seunga Sona Kim’s practice is a reflection of her personal experiences and her exploration of the complexities of identity transformation. Employing zippers and used garments as metaphors for the fluctuating self, Kim’s work delves into the uncertainty and distortion of identity, inviting viewers to confront their own relationships with their sense of self and the process of defining oneself through the simple yet profound act of zipping up garments. Constantly moving between countries and cities throughout her life, Kim has grappled with the challenge of defining oneself in an ever-changing world. Her work visualizes the act of mocking one’s surroundings, a coping mechanism she used to blend into the near community in a longing of perfection and acceptance. The story of the crow with borrowed feathers, which Kim often references, is a metaphor for the phantom identity that serves as the the first step of transformation. Through her work, Kim not only raises questions about the method of viewing and defining oneself but also challenges viewers to confront the complexities of identity and embrace the act of embodying the identity one desires, no matter how temporary or borrowed it may be.

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