Artist: Kimsunik

This work, titled ‘Temporary Garden,’ is designed to serve both as photographs installed in exhibition places and as books that can be transformed and stored, allowing a garden to emerge whenever unfolded, seamlessly blending into everyday life.

Artistic Statement:

This project is an outcome of contemplation on what constitutes nature and what embodies naturalness. I don’t perceive the subjects captured in photographs as nature itself. What can I possibly label the things I’ve seen?

The world was thrown into turmoil by the fear of an unknown pandemic. My daily routine underwent a transformation. Every day, I strolled around my neighbourhood. In every alleyway, there were scattered unfamiliar sculptures crafted by human hands. The exterior walls of buildings and fences distinctly delineated between where I could go and where I couldn’t. They proclaim, ‘From here onward, it’s my land; do not trespass’. I mostly went to only places where I was allowed to go. Such action felt right as one of the citizens. Nevertheless, whenever a small gap appeared, I inevitably succumbed to the temptation and ventured my way into the unknown world beyond the wall.

I may be introverted and prone to embarrassment, but I didn’t shy away from sneaking into others’ territories unexpectedly. I have traversed the thresholds of others’ private areas several times. I’ve sometimes taken a ladder without any permission to capture photos from high points on walls, and I’ve also come across the owners a few times. I have a sense of confidence that I can somehow navigate through those moments. By the way, taking photos on the street inevitably causes inconvenience to someone today. After deciding to complete it as a body of work, I took many pictures that winter. Since I’ve taken many photographs during the winter, the branches of dead trees appeared vividly. Whenever I looked at the dead trees, I often regarded them with compassion. Turning out, the truly pitiable one was none other than myself. Life and death were indistinguishable from them. I was the only presence who feared death.

Information:

– 64 pieces of A2 size poster folded into four A3 size booklets (unbound)
– 300 copies of limited edition
– Offset print
– Printed in February 2023
– Designed by TTTC studio