Sep 27, 2009

Salt & Earth




I saw Young Kim's work when the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts (UICA) of Grand Rapids featured works of Asian artists about a year ago. I thought it was just photographic portrait displayed on the museum floor for a different viewing perspective. As I got closer, I noticed smudges on some of the portraits; finally realizing that these portraits are actually made of granulated salt and powder earth!

Young Kim's entry to this year's ArtPrize is entitled Salt & Earth. He transformed the portraits of a diverse group of Grand Rapidians into a powerful on site installation definitely worth one's attention. Salt & Earth is a "meditation on time, memory and state of human condition." This buddhist-like inspiration will be swept off the floor at the conclusion of ArtPrize. 

This is truly one of my favorite works in this year's ArtPrize. 

Check out Brian Kelly's video post of Young Kim's Salt & Earth piece on his blog.






2 comments:

Brian Kelly said...

Thanks for the link, George...I really am hoping this piece places in the Top 10. I was blown away!

my Hotel Life said...

Love your behind the scenes videos!