Esther Kim presents Solve Et Coagula

Solve Et Coagula
Artist: Esther Kim (5th Year)
Medium: Sculpture (steel, bronze, limestone, ceramic)
Location: Special Projects Gallery (102 Joan & Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts)
Dates: January 6-16, 2020
Reception: Friday, January 10th @ 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Brief description of the exhibition:
“The Latin expression “solve et coagula” is derived from “solve,” meaning to break down and
separate, while “coagula” describes the process of bringing elements back together (coagulating) into a new, higher form.” Solve Et Coagula is an exhibition that encapsulates the process of transformation from material to matter both individually in each sculpture and unified by the exhibition as a whole. Each individual work represents fragments of the body while collectively constructing a whole greater than its sum. Verging on the ephemeral notions of the physical human figure, the sculptural mediums create a lasting impact, solidifying its permanence in the world while exploring the ambiguity and complexities of the human body.
Artist’s Statement:
The mechanical process of repetition is a fundamental component in my sculptural art practice as it combines the concepts of the working body with the working machine. The process of
dialogue between the body and mind allows me to challenge bodily limitations and to explore deeper within myself. Size and scale creates emphasis on autonomy, emulating the living vessel. Exploring the human body is like understanding a machine, each functioning part integrates as a whole. However, the human body is full of spontaneity, it can be obstructed through its limitations and surpassed by the mind. The mind exceeds beyond what’s physical, infinite through thought and imagination. The body is finite, limited by what’s tangible within reality. Through my work, I aim to create an open interpretation that instigates awareness of the viewers subjective selves and allows people to freely create associations for themselves through their own bodily experiences.
Artist’s bio:
Esther Kim is a Canadian born Korean artist currently in her 5th year at York University majoring in Visual Arts (Studio). Through exploring the concepts of the body, she utilizes her practices which involve metal fabrication, foundry, mould making and the contrast in medium and scale to evoke an ambiguity in a tangible form. Inspired by thoughtful investigation of philosophies of the mind and its relation to the body, the work is presented to the viewer to challenge commonly held assumptions about the world and to open possibilities for interpretations which instigate both cognitive and bodily awareness to the viewer’s subjective
self.

Severed Tongue
19.5″ x 13″ x 13″
Steel
2019
Here am I
4″ x 3″ x 6″
Bronze, mirror
2019