Sooja Kim is a contemporary South Korean artist I discovered at the recent exhibit at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Her videos, which she produces, directs and acts in are internationally well-known.
From the moment I stepped into the room where her video work entitled, "A Needle Woman," was being presented, I was entranced.
On the opposing two walls were large screens- three on each side -that depict her standing completely still in the middle of a busy street with her back to the camera. Each video shows her presence in a particular part of the world such as Cuba, Nepal, Israel, Yemen, Brazil and Chad.
The viewers only see the back of the artist and the reactions of passersby. The latter’s reactions range anywhere from curiosity, bewilderment, mockery, fear, amusement, to simply ignoring her presence. It was interesting to note the varying degree of reactions of people between countries.
I learned that the artist keeps her eyes focused at a central point to maintain balance. She breathes from her stomach so that her shoulders don’t move and wills different parts of her body to relax in order to promote circulation. Amazing.
The artist alters the dynamics of the world around her with stillness. It is a powerful, meditative act. The artist further goes on to say, "Every moment of our daily life is [a]…meditation."
Simply stunning! My perception is altered radically by the artist’s unique vision. My mind is still exploring the depths of this profound, transforming work of art.
Click the link below to see a brief video of her work.
dailymotion.virgilio.it/video/x9u17f_a-needle-woman-by-kim-sooja-30-seco_creation
Thank You Lahn,
I just now got back to your blog and have enjoyed all the posts and comments. Looks like you also found your home here quickly. We arrived here about the same time. I liked the short but can barely imagine what you saw from your description. You can certainly imagine what the traffic is thinking and some are saying. "What are you doing? Why are you blocking traffic? Get out of the way!" What is the longest clip you saw of her maintaining her stillness and composure? Just a guess. I'm sure you were not timing them.
Let us daily increase in: wisdom, love, gratitude, reverence, healing, peace, joy, happiness, laughter and prosperity.
Blessings X 10,
Ed
Thanks for reading this post Ed. I understand what you mean about my description of her work. I think the impact of the artist's work would be most deeply and truly felt in person. It's one of those things you have to see and experience in entirety. I don't remember where you reside but if you are in LA, it's showing at LA county museum.
I became a huge fan of her work after this. Saw some other work she does on her website.
Art is highly subjective. People experience and interpret art differently. I was profoundly moved by her simple and yet incredibly transcendent vision and just wanted to share it with others.
Blessings to you, friend
Lahn
Dearest Lahn,
Thanks for sharing this information. I will check this video and will check her coming works. thanks again dearest friend.
Wish you love, peace and happiness.
Trisha
I think you will appreciate the artist's work, Trisha. Love to hear what you feel and think about her art. Thanks for your interest!