October, 2024. In response to Jamie Ho and Junli Song
Jiwoo Kim is an independent curator based in NYC and formerly part of The Faraway Nearby team.Â
As a fan of both of your works, I cannot wait to see the visual language you will
collectively develop. If I may, I'd love to share some of my thoughts on your notes and
works from this month.
What I love about Julin’s animation is that it creates a dreamy and fantastical world. In
that world, it feels like I can finally belong somewhere. This pursuit of a nonexistent,
fantastical place is probably rooted in my conflicting desires. As an immigrant who
transplanted myself onto foreign soil, I am forever escaping from my home, yet I refuse
to fully assimilate into the new world. Balancing that perfect distance from everything
while managing the feeling of not belonging anywhere is something I can’t help but do,
even though it can be a source of suffering. In Julin’s words, I am chasing endless
possibilities. My question is whether this pursuit will ever stop or if it has any limits,
given that my body will deteriorate and I will eventually need to find my comfort zone at
some point in life.
Meanwhile, Jamie’s writing and animation address a topic I deeply care about—the
question of identity and the journey to discover one's self while fighting through
historical and cultural discrimination and oppression. This effort can be frustrating, yet
we continue our fight with a hint of sarcasm. Apart from this month's materials, I also
love that Jamie’s images are sometimes so warm and full of love that they naturally
draw attention, while at other times, they are so sharp and bright that they cannot be
overlooked.
Together, your writings and animations make me think of a shapeshifter—a beautiful,
dreamy, and eccentric creature who lives in a mysterious forest. She is intelligent,
vigorous, and ambitious. In a way, she is estranged from the world, yet connected to all
the beings in the forest. I imagine her journey filled with confusion, struggle, love, and
joy—a journey similar to each of ours!
Whether or not my attempt has given you some inspiration, I’d like to thank you for
being vulnerable and for sharing your thoughts and feelings through this project. It’s a
rare opportunity to get a glimpse into the mind of an artist, something I always admire.
One day, I hope we come across each other on this journey as shapeshifters and can
laugh off the things that challenge us to grow!
Warmest,
Jiwoo