In The Cut
Collages by Kimberly Young Sun
Interview: Isis Nicole
Can you introduce yourself - hometown, age, what were your interests growing up?
Kimberly Young Sun, a name that’s taken 27 years to take shape. I was raised in the predominantly white suburbs of Long Island, NY as a Korean-American adoptee, constantly searching for a sense of identity as someone who was clearly different than their peers. Because of these differences, I’ve always had an interest in people and the way they move in their lives. I’ve used art since a young age to express these emotions or to study my perspective in relation to others, whether it was through painting or photography.
When did you start collaging? And what motivated you to create collages?
I started collaging sometime back in 2016. I started a collaborative project with a musician who was releasing vinyl copies of his latest album, and I created upwards of 30 custom painted & collaged sleeves for the LPs. After a long stint with other visual projects, largely based in photography and video, I hit a point of discomfort and dissatisfaction. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, I picked up collaging again out of a desire for comfort and a physical, tactile practice. I found that using my hands and the soothing sounds of scissors against the paper brought calmness, and helped me slow down when anxieties caused an incessant need to run and move and do.
Do you see yourself in your work?
Definitely. I believe that all of my work is connected to conscious or unconscious parts of my mind. I see this specific series as a way to look at my relationship with physical intimacy during a time when we’re being told not to touch, feel, embrace.
What are you attracted to most in art?
Color and shapes are the constant factors in art that pull me in. I appreciate strong story-telling, whatever form that comes in. Work with clear intention is inspiring, like when I’m able to see an artist’s growth in their work.
If you could invite one friend, one musician, and one famous historical figure to dinner, who would it be?
Can I count my mom as my friend? Definitely my mom. She’s able to listen patiently, asks thoughtful questions, and has a casual way of bringing the best out in people. One musician? Tough. Rick Rubin or Donald Glover. I admire both of their artistries and constant innovations in any project they work on. Historical figure--Hayao Miyazaki. For his imagination.
Considering our current events, what are you wanting most for yourself and for humanity?
Patience, compassion, and empathy. My heart goes out to the Asian communities in my city, and across the world, who are feeling fearful of leaving their homes. Where elderly fathers are asking their kids for advice about buying a gun for protection. Where women are being splashed with acid just steps away from their front doors.
Fill in the blank: You need to go through [noun] to be able to [verb] a dream.
You need to go through failures to be able to process a dream.