Han Nae Kim aims to explore the gaps and
psychological phenomena found in cultural mélange through the devices created
by the artist’s body and materials. Kim's choice of materials may have been
unconsciously self-reflective, as the palette
and the textures she creates
while using those materials have resulted in giving the impression of
‘Asian-ness’ to many viewers.
The tactile quality of Ottchil; Urushiol-based Asian lacquer and the sensorial experience
involved in
the making process are equally important as the aesthetic appeal.
The artist values a sense of skin,
flesh and touch found in the movement of
19th century Primitivism, as the substantiality of matter
and awareness of what
can be experienced, are learned through tactile sensations. Exploring the
‘in-between’
as a field of encounter, collision, penetration and fission
comprises the general understanding of her practice
. The process of repetitive
layering, rubbing and sanding, make the surface rich with potential. It becomes
the symbolic skin, which possesses a virtual depth that can be constantly
manipulated and regenerated.
Han Nae Kim is a full time visual artist
based in Auckland and a doctoral candidate
at Elam School of Fine Arts. Kim
revives the traditional technique of Asian lacquer art.