Temporary Garden

Temporary Garden
by Kim Sunik

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 neighborhood. 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 to them. I was the only presence who feared death.

Specifications

Temporary Garden [box]
*This box is a tangible form of the exhibition for you to create your own "Temporary Garden" on any occasion.

64 pieces of A2 size poster folded into four A3 size booklets (unbound)
Limited Edition of 300 
Offset print
Printed in February 2023
Designed by TTTC STUDIO

Images courtesy of Kim Sunik