Swing of the Night, 2016. Silicone, pigment, thread, plastic, feathers – 249 × 157 × 79 mm.
Memory, 2016. Silicone, pigment, thread, plastic, feathers – 178 mm diameter.
A conversation on rainy days (Necklace). Silicone, pigment, thread, plastic, feather, jade 200 x 190 x 50 mm medal 820 mm total length.
On Your Side, 2015. Silicone, pigment, thread, plastic – 140 × 84 × 51 mm.
The death of a fairy (Brooch). Silicone, pigment, thread, plastic, feather 155 x 150 x 70 mm.
Inspired by nature and the infinite possibilities of creation, Korean artist constructs delicate sculptures reminiscent of microscopic organisms. Looking to developments in science and technology as enabling never-before-seen perspectives on natural life, Kwon creates her own interpretations of new organic life forms.
“There are organisms that pursue changes while it complies to certain rule known as order and harmony within the nature. These organisms consist of cells… that show various change in forms at each stage during the course of creation, growth, division, and extinction,” explains Kwon in her artists statement.
First analysing cell forms through basic models, Kwon then re-arranges the visual traits as lines, shapes and colours, producing her cell-inspired subjects. Silicone is her prime material choice, used for its ability to actively express organic movement. Kwon moulds the silicone into delicate, translucent shapes with jellyfish-like bulbs, adding colour and detail using thread, resin, pigment and paper, bringing each piece to life with a coral-like quality.
Planetary creation (Brooch). Silicone, pigment, thread, plastic, feather 180 x 140 x 80 mm.
Yellow elephant (Brooch). Silicone, pigment, thread, feather, pearl 160 x 165 x 85 mm.
Two different breath (Brooch). Silicone, pigment, thread, plastic, feather 180 x 115 x 60 mm.
Midnight Sun (Brooch) silicone, pigment, thread, plastic 180 x 110 x 80 mm.
“We actively expressed organic movement of cell with its mysterious colour and its constant changing form by using silicone,” says Kwon.
The malleability of silicone adds an air of movement and mystery to each piece, their texture and transparency enhancing engagement and interest from the wearer or observer. Kwon’s works are labelled as brooches and jewellery, but the delicate objects seem even better suited to being placed safely on a shelf as a sculpture, rather than worn around a neck or a finger. The illusion is two-fold however, as despite resembling fragile glass, the silicone forms are bouncy and flexible, therefore genuinely falling into the category of ‘wearable art’.
Kwon’s work has been exhibited in multiple international galleries, recently featuring in a ‘Material Revolution’ show at Chicago’s Pistachios contemporary art jewellery gallery, which showcased the exploration of non-traditional materials. Her Instagram also features regular behind the scenes insights as to her work and unique material processes.
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