Exhibition Highlight - Soon Yul Kang

Soon Yul Kang (b. 1955)
Invocation, 2015
Collage on 100 spheres - Handwriting on Korean mulberry
paper, ink, cypress wood
 

Korean shamanistic culture of praying is the source of Soon Yul’s inspiration. Korean mothers used to pray their wishes for good fortunes for their children in front of a bowl of water. Their prayers were often repeated like chanting. They believed that their wishes would be granted if they recited their prayers for 100 days. 

Soon Yul’s work ‘Invocation’ was motivated by this culture. She handwrote the Korean word 사랑 (sarang), which means LOVE, repeating like chanting or prayers. She then cut them into very tiny pieces and reassembled them to form the piece. Through this ritualistic process, Soon Yul contemplates ‘Love’ or ‘Mother’, which represents a prayer and a special meaning that we all share. 

Soon Yul is inspired by meditation, healing, and the concept of time, utilising various mediums and Korean cultural elements. Influenced by Zen’s principles of simplicity, stillness, repetition, and rebirth, as well as the Eastern philosophy of Yin-Yang, she explores the balance and harmony of nature and the universe.

If you would like to learn more about Soon Yul and her work please visit her website.