[Text by HONG Geunyoung]
The main material I work with is clay—a mixture of inorganic and organic matter that holds a strong life force. It helps everything grow. When I work with clay, I feel like I’m growing too, receiving energy from it. In that process, I find comfort and believe that I can rescue myself—wherever I may be.
Strangely, clay never really looks like it has “failed,” even when it doesn’t turn out as expected. Once clay enters the fire, it may come out whole, or it might crack, tear, or even break into pieces. But it doesn’t feel like failure. I accept these outcomes, just like the curves of life we must all embrace. After surrendering it to the fire—like fate—I accept whatever comes out. And still, I want to try to bring it back to life, in any way I can.
This whole process feels similar to caregiving. Nurturing, helping something grow, experiencing failure together—and then, leaving it to fate, trying again to turn that failure into something meaningful. I share this with the many “mothers” in my life. The part of me that must be protected and cared for is inside the clay.
Calling
HONG Geunyoung
Hosted by
Sohyunmun
Organized by
HONG Geunyoung, Maum Lab, White Forest Agency
Curated by
PAIK Philgyun
Poster designed by
Yandle design
Supported by
Suwon Special City, Suwon Cultural Foundation