In Korean astrology, Yeok-Ma-Sal (역마살) refers to a restless, wandering energy tied to constant movement and change. This concept resonates deeply with me, reflecting my experiences of displacement while moving between the U.S. and Korea, as well as frequent relocations within each country since adolescence.
Yeok-Ma-Sal explores the ideological and inner conflicts of growing up in a traditional Korean household while adapting to life in open-minded cities. It reflects a process of navigating contrasts and forming identity amidst cultural and environmental shifts.
Using photogrammetry, I digitally captured my grandmother’s hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) as a symbol of cultural roots. Fragmenting and reassembling these textures through patchwork texturing, I visually express the fractured process of identity formation and an ongoing sense of displacement.
The project is presented as a multimedia installation with framed photographs and a 3D video displayed on a vintage television. Yeok-Ma-Sal invites reflection on the complexities of belonging and transformation in a constantly changing world.
