More about the project.

Multimedia Project: Exploring Mental Health Through Art

As part of the Sophomore Review project at the University of Michigan Penny Stamps School of Art and Design, I created a multifaceted piece incorporating audio composition, painting, video production, and editing. This project began as an exploration of materials and concepts, ultimately evolving into a deeply personal narrative addressing mental health and personal growth.

Artistic Process and Conceptual Development

The project's inception involved a large-scale painting on a dropcloth, chosen to push the boundaries of my usual working dimensions. This material exploration served as a catalyst for conceptual development, allowing me to refine the project's focus on my experiences with mental health and personal history.

Central to the work is the metaphor of Sujeongcho (수정초), a fascinating fungus I discovered while researching Korean culture. Despite its delicate, flower-like appearance, Sujeongcho grows on decaying organic matter. This duality—beauty emerging from decay—resonated deeply with my artistic vision, symbolizing personal growth and transformation in the face of past struggles.

Multimedia Integration

The painting served as a springboard for the project's audio component. Inspired by the emotions evoked during the painting process, I composed an atmospheric, narrative-driven piece using an electric bass and sampled dialogue from the Korean television show that introduced me to Sujeongcho.

To complete the multimedia experience, I produced a video that visually complemented the audio and conceptual elements of the project. Filming took place in a forest near my childhood home in Shelburne, Vermont—a location that not only mimicked Sujeongcho's natural habitat but also held personal significance. The video juxtaposes footage of the dropcloth painting with natural settings, incorporating smoke effects and dramatic lighting to echo the somber tones present in the music.

Thematic Exploration

This project delves into the complexities of mental health, personal growth, and the transformative power of confronting one's past. By interweaving visual, auditory, and conceptual elements, the work invites viewers to reflect on the beauty that can emerge from life's challenges, much like the Sujeongcho fungus thriving amidst decay.

Through this multimedia approach, I aimed to create a cohesive artistic statement that resonates on both personal and universal levels, encouraging dialogue about mental health and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.