2023 Vagner Mendonça-Whitehead Microgrant grantee: Wednesday Kim

Wednesday Kim is an interdisciplinary artist and a co-founder of De:Formal Online. She is from Seoul, South Korea, and is currently based in California. Kim works with a mixture of analog and digital media, including 3D animation, video, performance, installation, print, and sculpture with clusterfuck aesthetics. Her artistic endeavors delve deep into the realm of personal experiences and the intricate workings of human psychology. Drawing inspiration from the most enigmatic corners of her mind, she masterfully crafts imagery that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary. Furthermore, she portrays the absurdity of information-saturated contemporary life in a surrealist fashion through wordplay, Wikipedia, voyeurism, and witticism. Recent exhibitions and screenings include: Mental; Science Gallery, Melbourne; “The Digital Weird”; Arebyte Gallery, Oline, London, UK, Well Now WTF?, Silicon Valet, Online; Meme is my culture, Spazio Y, Rome (2020); Transmediale Vorspiel, Berlin; FASTLINE, Hervisions for Art Night 2019, London; CHRYSANTHEMM, Underground Flower, Ho Chi Minh City; Project Marco Asylum, Museo d’Arte Contemporanea de Rome, Rome (2019); SUPERNOVA Digital Animation Festival, Denver (2018); 8th Cairo Video Festival, Medrar for Contemporary Art, Cairo; Lanzarote International Video Art, Cultura Lanzarote, Las Palmas; and Abstract Mind, CICA Museum, Seoul (2017). Kim was shortlisted for the Mother Art Prize 2018 by The Procreate Project and was awarded the Audience Prize as part of the Parts & Labour animation program as Derby Quad in 2016.

Tell us a little about your background and your trajectory as an artist/ scholar

I have experienced numerous instances of isolation from art communities due to living in a remote area. However, I am grateful for the internet, as it has allowed me to connect with online art friends and communities, enabling me to thrive despite the physical distance.

What are some of your main influences?

The greatest wellspring of inspiration for my work stems from my personal experiences. These encounters, often laden with a mix of emotions and thoughts, serve as catalysts for my creative process. While some of these experiences evoke positive reactions, the majority tend to be accompanied by challenging or difficult sentiments.

New Media is …….

At times, it can evoke FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) within me, but it also serves as an enjoyable playground for everyone.

What is your typical day like?

Typically, my day begins by waking up and preparing my five-year-old daughter for school. After dropping her off, I head straight to the gym for a workout session before returning home to focus on my artistic pursuits and other remote work for De:Formal. Later on, I head to my job, where I work with school-age children. Once I finish my work for the day, I return home and begin the evening routine by preparing dinner for my family. We cherish this time together and engage in activities that strengthen our bond. Once my daughter is asleep, I resume my work on the computer, dedicating additional hours to complete tasks and pursue my projects. But sometimes I fall asleep with my little one.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on game card making, it is about stories captured in a collectible talisman series consisting of seven cards believed to bring good luck. Another collaborative work with my dearest artists, creating a virtual game together.

Do you have a collaborative idea that you want to get off the ground?

I am interested in creating a virtual space (user friendly) specifically designed for artist parents. This space would include a “Lost and Found” section, where parents can anonymously share and express what they feel they have lost or left behind after becoming parents. They are welcome to visit the space at any time to retrieve and reconnect with those aspects of themselves. In addition to the virtual space, I aim to establish a vibrant online community for artist parents. This community will serve as a supportive network, where individuals can connect, share their experiences, seek advice, and collaborate with like-minded parents. Through this platform, we can foster a sense of belonging and provide valuable resources to nurture the artistic endeavors of parents, creating a space where they can thrive both personally and creatively.

What is the most recent thing you’ve learned?

As an introvert, I value my alone time, but that doesn’t mean I want to work in isolation. I also crave the opportunity to have fun and connect with others. For artists, active participation in a community is crucial. It provides support, inspiration, and a platform for collaboration. Engaging with a community allows artists to thrive creatively while enjoying the benefits of connection and shared experiences.