Jonathan Puc (b.1995) Ansem (2024)
Giclee print on Ilford Gallerie Smooth Pearl 310GSM 84cm x 119cm Edition of 1 (framed)
59cm x 84 cm Edition of 6 (un-framed) $880AUD & $440AUD
YoungEun Kim has been studying the art of Chimseon since 2015. An
important, intangible cultural asset, Chimseon is the traditional sewing
techniques utilized in the making of Hanbok, the Korean national dress.
However, more than simply a technique, Chimseon can actually be viewed
as a process, a mindfulness and overall thoughtfulness towards the garment’s
construction, its materials, history, what it will be used for and the messages
it conveys.
Inspired by the various materials, techniques and garments she encountered
during her practice making Hanbok, Kim began a body of artistic work alongside
her garment manufacture, focusing on Badae, an element of Hanbok traditionally
only known and seen by the makers themselves.
“Badae is a component found in single-ply Hanbok. It is a piece of cloth
that is added to areas that move a lot (like the shoulders or armpits) to
prevent damage and increase the durability of the fabric.”
By separating this usually “invisible” element of the garment and
elevating it to an artwork, Kim is highlighting the fact that the manufacturer
of Hanbok is more than simply the production of garments, but rather an
intricate and elegant construction that goes beyond simply technique and
process and becomes something far more meaningful.
“The ultimate intention of my artistic work is to
introduce Hanbok in new ways. Except for minor changes, the overall form of
Hanbok has remained largely the same for over 500 years. I believe that there
is a lot of precious beauty in things that have been preserved for a long time
and so I dedicated myself to learning how to make Hanbok in the traditional
way.”
Through the Badae series, Kim is hoping to change the way people look at
Hanbok, while at the same time highlighting how we can often overlook or take
for granted these invisible elements in other objects and works of art we may
encounter in our day to day lives, encouraging us to look more deeply and
slowly at that which is all around us.
“The reason I focus on this small part, Badae, was
because I wanted to highlight elements that only those who have made Hanbok
themselves know about. Even though no one sees them they are beautiful and
without them the garment would not work. I believe that this will allow me to
introduce Hanbok to more people and get them to see the garment differently.”
“I hope that the relationship between the audience and Hanbok
will become more friendly through my work on Badae.”
The interior of the A.SINGLE.PIECE gallery contains a video installation related to Youngeun Kim’s practice along with other working pieces.