KIM Sajik

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KIM Sajik

Participating Project	Exchange Residency Program (Japan-based creators sent abroad)
Activity Based	Kyoto
City / Place stayed	Seoul / SeMA Nanji Residency
Period	2024.9 - 2024.11

Purpose of the residency

Korean shamanistic arts and rituals are said to be a way to release people's resentment (Han) that arises in the course of social life. While learning their history and structure, I will explore ways to release the identity trauma (resentment) of our own Korean diaspora: "I am Korean, but I cannot speak Korean."

Plan during the residency

• Research on shamanistic performing arts culture in Korea (shamanistic culture of Gyeonggi-do province, "Baejin Gut of South Coast" of Gyeongsangnam-do province, "Jindo Sikgimgut" of Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do province, etc.)
• Research on people living in Korea with foreign roots and multiple languages
  

Activities during the residency

While engaging daily with the trauma associated with the Korean language, which could have potentially been my native language yet not my mother tongue nevertheless, I conducted research on the shamanistic culture that serves as the root of traditional Korean classical dance—a practice that I have been involved in for many years. Through investigating the history and techniques of Gut (a shamanic ritual that has historically existed in various regions of Korea as a form of social care), I sought to incorporate these elements into my creative expression as a means of confronting and resolving the historical trauma of diaspora passed down within the family and community.

Outcome of the residency

During this residency, I was able to contemplate the issue of language from various perspectives, realizing its significant connection to one’s sense of belonging in human social life. Additionally, I achieved a more profound understanding of the role of shamanic culture in Korea, which I realized was directly tied to the concept of my artistic practice. This insight has given me greater confidence in my future approach to creating works. Furthermore, working under the guidance of the Korean classical dancer, I had numerous significant realizations through the practice of non-verbal communication.

Creator Information