Ginhwa (Evolve)

Size: Max size - 66” X 72” X 56” / 2025 / Synthetic yarn, poly-fill, metal hanger

Through solo weaving, knotting, and crochet work, I navigate the tensions between adaptation and resistance within my identity as shaped by the spaces I inhabit. This project evolves into an immersive world of its own—flexible and responsive to each site while maintaining a distinct, recognizable presence. Each "Thinggy" possesses a unique personality, yet retains an organic, growth-like quality that invites open interpretation. As I expand Thinggy of Their Town (TTT), these forms cultivate spaces for dialogue around cultural identity, transformation, and the fluid, ever-shifting nature of belonging

Family Union

Displayed IA&A Hillyer @ Washington D.C.

Max size - 96’’ x 26’’ x 26’’ / 2025 / Synthetic yarn, poly-fill, paper clay, chicken wire, ceramic

Thingumabob Community 3

Thingumabobs standing their ground (and floating) together

Max size - 134’’ x 13’’ x 13’’ / 2024 / Synthetic fiber, poly-fill, PVC pipe, paper roll, wood board

Thingumabob Society

Max size - 128’’ x 10’’ x 10’’ / 2023 / Synthetic fiber, poly-fill, PVC pipe, paper roll, wood board

Thingumabob Community, consists of site-specific installations that delve into individual and cultural identity in the face of the climate crisis. The heart of my project lies in conceptualizing and crafting imaginary landscapes based on my current environment. I populate these landscapes with plant and animal sculptural forms, also known as Thingumabobs. These creations, made from up-cycled industrial materials created using contemporary sculptural techniques and traditional textile and fiber arts.

Overview of Thingumabob Society Show @ BCA

Thingumabob “Shilhumshil” (LAB)

The dynamic tension between all thingumabobs

276” X 216” X 111.6”H / 2024 / Masking tape, clay, Yarn, Poly-fill, found fabric, plastic bag, cardboard, zip-tie, lamp cover, watercolor

The "thingumabob" embodies my experience of cultural hybridity, capturing the dynamic tension between Korean and American influences that continuously shape my life. Inspired by the landscapes I encountered, especially the Canadian Rocky Mountains during my BANFF Artist Residency, this work invites viewers to consider the impact of environment on identity. The piece’s inner structure—muscle layers and cells—mirrors the Thingumabob community’s surroundings, symbolizing a shift in viewpoint to explore global issues from a fresh perspective.

Over time, the “thingumabob” has grown and evolved, expanding from individual forms to multiple families and now into a collective society. This progression represents the complex, interconnected nature of cultural identity and the shared experiences that unite us. Through this piece, I hope to engage others in contemplating how cultural synthesis and resistance shape our understanding of the world.

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Thingumabob Tribe # 2

Size: Variable / 2022 / Synthetic fiber, yarn, poly-fill, wood stick, zip-tie

Thingumabobs in the snow

Thingumabob Tribe # 1

Size: Variable / 2022 / Synthetic fiber, yarn, poly-fill, wood stick, zip-tie

Thingumabobs in the autumn

Mo Nyu (Mom & Daughter)

139’’ x 76’’ x 76’’ / 2023 / Synthetic fiber, poly-fill, PVC pipe, paper roll, wood board

The community continues to grow

Auspicious Energy Circle

For those who seek harmony and balance

548”DIA X 156”H (cylinder) / 2021 / PVC Pipe, Fabric, Yarn, Package String, Zip-tie, 550 cord, Hay

Inspired by patterns and colors from traditional Korean clothing, this work is based upon the nebulous concept of “hope of better and balanced lives,” especially at this time as we struggle and endure this uncertain pandemic situation.

I offer these Community Gifts for the public to envision themselves wrapping-up on their own body, laying on mask-pillows without face covers and allowing people the ability to hang out, and wish for the completion of the energy circle as they seek to maintain both balance and harmony from auspicious energy circle.

Variant

The Maternal Variant watches her children closely.

Max size height - 30 ft / 2022 / Synthetic fiber, hay, PVC pipe, package string, zip-tie, 3D print filler

Bringing Korean rice hay to the American industrialized material world. The harmonious balance between industrial materials, family history, and cultural hybridity. The combination of Korean cultural spirit that draw from nature and natural materials, with the American cultural obsession with consumption to create my own material world.