JungEun Yang

She explores the irony of human existence and is interested in the notion that we have no memory of choosing to be born and, simultaneously, live with only one certainty of death. This body of work began in 2016 initially stemming from self exploration regarding her own existential anxiety. This current project looks at human existence with the knowledge of death. Looking at the preciousness of life and the imminence of our demise and how this affects the way we live. If we did not have the confines of time, everything would become meaningless. Because of death, humans realise the importance of the moment. That makes humanity.

However, is this life meaningful if you die anyway and become ‘nothing’? Can fragile humans that exist only for a limited time become notable? How should little humans - who are like little dust in this endless, vast universe - accept our little deaths?

The inescapable inevitability of death informs her work and is a reality she often finds herself fixated on.

There are two egos in her. One says: “What’s the point in working hard if I am destined to become nothing? Everything I do is meaningless.” Meanwhile the other replies: “No matter how small and insignificant we are, I am still the main character in my life. So I should try my best.” There are moments where she fluctuates between these two egos and others where she avoids both mindsets to distance herself from the certain cynicism that is bound to follow.

Why am I here? What is my purpose? What am I? Our existence within time and space and lack thereof.