In a world where migration is increasingly shaped by personal choice rather than economic or political forces, questions of identity and belonging have taken on new urgency. As transnational boundaries blur, people are not only moving across borders but also navigating the complexities of settling into new cultural contexts. Drawing on Kurt Lewin’s Field Theory and Erik Erikson’s perspectives on identity formation, the exhibition investigates the ongoing struggles and negotiations inherent in reconciling one’s origins with the realities of a new environment. Six participants, including scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners, offer unique interpretations of Koreanness, reflecting on their personal and collective journeys through time, culture, and experience.
This exhibition brings together Gayageum player Hwayoung Shon, media artist Inhye Lee, documentary filmmaker Miriam Kim, linguist and photographer Robert J. Fouser, architect Sung Goo Yang, and textile artist Wonjoo Seo. Through their individual research and creative interpretations, each artist presents unique perspectives shaped by their personal lives and experiences. The exhibition showcases a range of works, including an installation featuring gayageum components, textile pieces reinterpreting hanbok and traditional jogakbo, and a documentary reflecting on belonging and Korean identity. By weaving together personal narratives, collective histories, and cross-cultural dialogues, the exhibition expands identity beyond a fixed concept into a fluid and multi-layered meaning. This presentation aims to foster empathy and understanding not only within the Korean diaspora but also among a broader audience.
Exhibited at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., 14 March to 3 May, 2025
Curated by Sang Dae Lee, a curator and principal at UNITEDLAB Associates
Coordinated by Jerim Kim with participating artists: Hwayoung Shon, Inhye Lee, Miriam Kim, Robert J. Fouser, Sung Goo Yang, and Wonju Seo.