Korean language

Yejin Jang

Yejin Jang graduated from the Department of Film, TV & Multimedia with an MFA at Korea National University of Arts and currently conducts research on the changing role of media in the modern age. Since 2016, she has been conducting various experiments and attempts to explore artistic and cultural approaches to the theme of sleep, as well as methods of communication with the public.

She created an exhibition that utilizes technological sensors, sensory materials between the material and immaterial aspects of human perception, and sleep media ASMR materials through media, the Sleep Cube. The exhibition emphasized active audience participation while closely observing the effects of the environment and individuals on each other.

Based on these experiences, she plans to continue experimenting with various works, focusing on the diverse ways in which media is evolving, as well as the utilization and expansion of human sensory experiences through the Sleep Art and Culture Research Institute. She aims to select both the visible and invisible aspects of sleep, moving beyond conscious temporal activities into unconscious space and time, to use them as flexible tools for her work and to expand communication with the public through sleep.

Yejin Jang, New relaxation about ASMR, 2018

New relaxation about ASMR

"ASMR in the media generation replaces media's lack of emotional communication with media." ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a term that has gained popularity on YouTube channels in recent times. It was created in 2010 by Jennifer Allen. The term "Autonomous" is interpreted to mean "the ability to easily induce or entirely create sensations voluntarily." Recognizing this, I'd like to raise questions.In this project, I aimed to observe the changes brought about by the ASMR generation created by media networks from both internal and external perspectives, using the keyword "sleep." I wanted to interpret the transformations in objects and the human body, as well as material and sensation, from a contemporary viewpoint. The way this expansion connects physical sensors (technological tools) with human senses serves as a starting point for understanding the impact on both providers and recipients, as they interact with each other.I focus on how the unconventional modes of ASMR communication are triggered through media and what they are expanding. I seek to find the fundamental meaning of ASMR from as neutral a standpoint as possible.

Yejin Jang, New relaxation about ASMR, 2018

Initial Work Plan

The New Relaxation about ASMR project began with research into the impact of ASMR on sleep. After deciding on media and installation art as the working medium, I selected the materials needed for the work and the collaborators to work with, experimented, revised, and finally exhibited the work. The overall process of the project was as follows:

1) Interest in ASMR and Presentation of Work Plan

2) ASMR Research: Concepts, history, reasons for the phenomenon, analysis of media channels, psychological aspects, effects on the human body, expert opinions, and more.

3) Media Work: Scenario development, technical application experiments, search for collaborating artists.

4) Material Analysis and Market Research: Selection, production, and application experiments related to ASMR tools and materials.

5) Selection of Materials and Collaborators for Output: Procurement of materials and collaboration with artists.

6) Work Experiments and Refinements: Filming, sound work, design, and refinement of media and ASMR experiments.

7) Exhibition Preparation: Preparation of materials needed for the exhibition space, archiving, and showcases.

8) Presentation: Installation of works in the exhibition space.

Work Process

During the initial research phase, I faced challenges because there was a lack of clear information about the relationship between ASMR and sleep. This led to difficulties in obtaining quantitative data. Ultimately, I relied on qualitative insights to present the research findings. The absence of quantitative data actually allowed more freedom in approaching the project from a media and installation art perspective, as it enabled a more creative and flexible exploration.The initial work plan involved an attempt to collect data on the impact of ASMR on sleep through EEG measurements. However, due to limitations in the precision of the equipment, the available time, and the necessary resources, thinking it would be meaningful data, I ended up just testing the equipment and planning a course of action. Properly dealing with sleep requires careful consideration of the equipment, environment, and timing, and these limitations became apparent during the planning phase while working through the size of the experiment, equipment, etc. Therefore, the project was adjusted to suit the available time and resources.

Yejin Jang, New relaxation about ASMR, mixed media, dimensions variable, 2018

1. New relaxation about ASMR, Mixed media, dimensions variable, 2018

The research divides the content into sections: ASMR Theory/History, ASMR Research, and Social Phenomenon. In terms of meaning and interpretation, ASMR is defined as an Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which sounds like a grandiose medical term but is essentially just a neologism. The primary platform where ASMR uploaders and users engage is YouTube. In Korea, ASMR is sometimes translated as "everyday noise" or "white noise."

The changing times driven by the development of media and platforms have led to a significant shift in communication methods. Subscribers watching videos show diversity in terms of age and gender depending on the type of ASMR content. While it is challenging to provide a clear definition for the increasing number of subscribers and creators, factors contributing to this phenomenon include the simplicity of production methods, easy accessibility of media tools even through smartphones, technological advancements in networks and platforms facilitating communication, and the active involvement of the media-savvy generation adapting to digital media. These conditions enable the rapid discovery of a wide range of content.

Regarding scientific and expert perspectives, the content primarily conveys the emotional and inferred aspects of experts' opinions rather than precise measurement results. The research is presented from the subjective interpretative standpoint of me, summarizing that the 'unconscious balancing activity of the media-savvy generation provides an alternative for the emotional communication absence in media.'

Yejin Jang, ASMR Media, Video-Object photographing, Texture sound design, Language sign graphic, 6min 17sec, 2018

2. ASMR Media, 1920x1080, Video-Object photographing, Texture sound design, Language sign graphic, 6min 17sec, 2018

I developed an intuitive media creation approach based on the theoretical research process. I created media based on the information gathered during the research process to provide it to exhibition participants. The resulting video production incorporates visual elements reminiscent of color therapy and auditory elements resembling sound therapy, with a focus on inducing sleep. While considering these elements, the work also graphically includes the unique mode of communication of the media-savvy generation, allowing for a reevaluation of the meaning of ASMR media.

Yejin Jang, New relaxation about ASMR, ASMR Table-Slime, Soap, Polymer, Floral-form etc, dimensions variable, 2018

3. New relaxation about ASMR, ASMR Table-Slime, Soap, Polymer, Floralform, etc, dimensions variable, 2018

I created a table with carefully selected materials commonly used by ASMR YouTubers and frequently watched by subscribers. This table is designed to allow exhibition visitors to touch and interact with these materials directly, awakening various senses, including those that may have been overlooked. It is a table that captures the role of human connection and touch in a form that is being rediscovered, as the process used by the participants and the moments of communication with me expand into empathy and sharing, and the emotions felt through the materials of the table.

Epilogue

In this project, an extensive research was necessary to analyze ASMR in relation to sleep, which is why I ended up including too much initial content in the final result. The research process was challenging, and the detailed investigation into materials and research tools was lacking. Consequently, I had to scale down the project more than I initially intended. I always consider media, materials, senses, sensors, and space to be essential elements for meaningful outcomes and a sense of balance within the contemporary context. I believe that, in the future, focusing on each of these aspects individually rather than an all-encompassing approach will be the key to maintaining consistent research on sleep without feeling overwhelmed.Looking ahead, I aim to expand my work as a "sleep artist" based on the research conducted using this approach. I think that experiences in art-based creative work have a positive influence on generating new ideas and approaches. Therefore, I plan to prepare and execute a participatory sleep exhibition alongside research and development. I am also working on developing sleep education. Through these efforts, I intend to increase awareness of sleep among the public, while flexibly exploring various sensory organs and environmental factors related to sleep, one step at a time.While participating in the 2018 Creation Support program, my project's initial plan and progress went through some changes. However, I found joy in the fragmented thinking and experimental processes that emerged throughout this journey. The ability to adapt flexibly to things that arise in the process of research, without a clear expectation of results, was made possible thanks to the open support process of the Center for Art Convergence. I believe that artists often face challenges related to administrative procedures and pressure to produce tangible results when participating in support programs. Thoughtful consideration and support were essential to allow artists to explore various perspectives and experiments. Additionally, the provision of necessary workshops for artists during the support program, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, added significant value to the experience.Looking forward, I hope for the discovery of promising artists and the successful connection of their research processes to external support and opportunities for international exposure. I expect that, with continued collaboration and vibrant activities between the Center for Art Convergence and artists, the true essence of convergence art will yield fruitful results.

Report abuse