My works are related to attempts to translate the submerged ambivalence of food, began with recognising food as ‘flesh’ of living bodies. For me, it is a challenge to define what exists between a cow and beef in one simple word. Sometimes although a superficial image of food could evoke straightforward happiness, such as the pleasure of tasting something delicious, the underneath reality might hurt or disgust us; like in an old Korean tale, where a devoted son cut his thighs to cook meat soup for his old and unwell father during a severe famine. The ambivalent emotions triggered by foods provoke incompatible inner argument and feelings in me, reminding me of their origin as something living.
The marks, process and materials, such as food ingredients and food-dyes in my practice reflect the daily traces of food which exist on our tongues, and bodies as well as on the table. Reproducing these abstract images, I intended to visualise the moment that our sensory nerves create specific emotions by biological electric signals, induced from narratives of flesh.

Investigating the clash between the sensibilities of food, my theme seeks phenomenon beyond the surface such as sacrifice and violence behind sustenance and hospitality. I have developed this notion to the expanded food chain related to the factor that the stronger attack the weaker as their prey in human society.
My working process, making multi-layers with several different materials, is the process of hiding violence and screams by digesting and refining. Through this process, the work, starting with strong and sharp images, finally turns into a calm piece of work; as if our tables mostly seem to be composed of peaceful flesh although these are set on the roar of the predator and the scream of the prey.

Education

2019 – 2022                 B.A. Hons Fine Art Painting, University of Brighton

2004 – 2008                Bachelor of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University

One Person Exhibitions
2021                            Interaction, Zart Art gallery, Daegu

Selected Group Exhibitions
2021                            Kenopsia, University of Brighton interim exhibition (online)
2020                            Samsunghyun exhibition (online)
2020                            Edge Land, One Church, Brighton

Awards
2021                            The Bridge Award, University of Brighton
2020                            The Samsunghyun Fine Art Prizes

Publications
Kim, Yongwook. The Review of the solo exhibition: INTERACTION, ”Why has she gone to the U.K.?” The Korean Pharmacy News, 26 Jul. 2021: 26. Print.