Da Ye / Kim

Artist Statement

"Face Face Face" ambitiously pursues an academic exploration of human nature, delving deeply into the complex dynamics of human emotions and relationships. This work derives from my own self as a human being. Throughout our lives, we encounter various people with different personalities who often adjust their attitudes based on the situation, the person they are with, and the time.

As we live our lives, we meet many different people. Each of them has a unique personality, and they often change their demeanour according to the circumstances, the person they are interacting with, and the time. Think about how people behave when they are with their family, meeting their boss, hanging out with friends, or with their lover. Are they all the same personality? Do they show the same face? When with parents, people might still act like a child, and when with high school friends, they might use language and mannerisms from their teenage years. However, when talking about work with colleagues, their tone changes entirely. We live with slightly different personas, often without realizing it.

We don't consciously change these personas; it happens naturally and unconsciously. In our unconscious, there are numerous tendencies that we are not aware of. The human inner self cannot be simplified or neatly categorized. The human psyche is a complex mix of subtleties and contradictions that cannot be reduced to simple or easily defined categories.

However, most people in modern society think they know themselves well and define themselves easily. The widespread popularity of Starsign in worldwide society is an example of this. Some people tend to classify themselves into zodiac signs and believe that this classification represents their entire personality. But as mentioned earlier, a human being cannot be simply or clearly categorized into one or even a few types. As the Korean saying goes, "You may know ten ways under the water, but not one way into a person's heart," implying that humans are ambiguous and eternally unknowable. I wanted to show the audience the essence of a person, their true self. Even though a person may have the same outward appearance, inside they have countless different faces. My work aims to show a human being by expressing their external form in simple geometric shapes. These basic geometric shapes symbolize the single aspect of oneself that people often think of. Inside these shapes are countless faces arranged randomly, representing the numerous facets of a human's personality. When viewed from a distance, the small faces are not noticeable, and the work is perceived as a single entity. As the viewer gets closer, they begin to recognize the many faces, which serves as a reminder that what is seen and thought may not be the whole picture. This realization prompts viewers to reflect on themselves, leading them to a deeper contemplation and a sense of connection with others.

I used 3D programs, a part of machine technology, to sculpt each face, and then cast them as wax objects, arranging them randomly. By placing each face randomly, I aimed to make viewers look closely at the details of each face, prompting thoughts about the parts that make up a person. After casting these objects in metal, I used colouring to highlight the different properties within the same material, brass.

"Face Face Face" symbolizes the infinite inner self of a person through human faces based on mine. "Face Face Face" invites the audience on a journey of reflection, guiding them to explore the unique complexity and subtle essence of their own nature as a human.

Biography

My artistic journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to my craft and my profound exploration of human beings and natural wonders.

After graduating with distinction in Arts and Crafts from Sookmyung Women's University, I laid the foundation for my creative pursuits. My passion for artistic expression led me to pursue a Master's degree in Jewellery & Metal at the prestigious Royal College of Art (RCA) in 2023, where she honed my skills and expanded my artistic horizons.

My metal creations represent a harmonious blend of sculptural form and functional design, inviting viewers to delve into the mystical narratives woven into the fabric of humans. My work reflects a deep reverence for the connection between surroundings and human being elements, with a particular fascination for relationships and their enigmatic allure.

With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for innovation, I seamlessly integrate artistic expression with practical utility, transcending the boundaries between art and everyday life. My creations serve as portals to the fantastical realm, encouraging audiences to embrace the magic that surrounds them in their daily experiences.

my artistic endeavours have garnered widespread acclaim, earning me recognition in prestigious arenas. Exhibiting the works in London and Munich on two occasions between 2022 and 2023, I captivated audiences with my evocative creations. Additionally, I tried to make my talent have been celebrated with two coveted awards from the GCDC Awards, further cementing my status as an artist in the field of metal.

As a finalist of SCHMUCK 2024, I try to continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression, captivating audiences with my innovative vision and exceptional craftsmanship. My willingness to explore new avenues of creativity and my openness to collaboration make me a dynamic force in the art world, poised to leave an indelible mark on the realm of contemporary art.

1. Face Face Face(box)_2023_Bronze with patination_30 X 30 X 30 (cm)

2. Face Face Face(corn)_2023_Bronze with patination_10 X 10 X 10 (cm)

3.Face Face Face(circle)_2023_Bronze with patination_10 X 10 X 10 (cm)

4.Face Face Face(diamond)_2023_Bronze with patination_10 X 20 X 10 (cm)/ (W x H x D)