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Artist Statement: Soyeon Jung

The recovery of memory is necessary due to its destructive potential, as it acts on one's subconscious. It distances one from the present by directing them towards a past that can never be recaptured, rendering the one who remembers neither present nor absent. Instead, he or she can only occupy a space in - between. This in - between space is a recurring theme in the work as I explore traumatic memories that stem from my being located in both Korea and America. The specific trauma that my work evokes is the stricture and repression by a conservative, patriarchal society. By recuperating my memories of this experience, I assuage the destructive potential of subconscious memory. Yet, this effort is tainted by the knowledge that memory is inherently cyclical, inextinguishable and, therefore, always carries with it a residual melancholy.

While my work is informed by a specific cultural experience, the ambiguous visuals employed expose the work to a broader commentary and interpretation. An inclusive exploration of memory is undertaken as it relates to the reconstruction of identity when one is apart from, yet inextricably linked to, one's homeland. Taking the form of experimental video, video installations, and cross-disciplinary practices, my work positions the viewer in a similar in - between space. A tension is created as I invite the audience into images and spaces that often reference specific Korean symbols, rituals, and historical events. The interplay between a globally diverse audience and the at times opaque cultural symbols I use creates a dialogue that exposes the problematic constructions of identity and communication inherent when one is situated between two vastly different cultures. The conflict sustains and builds arriving at the conclusion that one's cultural ties are inescapable and impossible to disregard. Therefore, these works are allegorical, showing that memories of the past canon simply be suppressed and forgotten, but must be dealt with constructively, recuperated and reconciled with the present.