Hearing-impaired artist questions communication

Kim Myung-ah’s “Conflict 2” / Courtesy of Kim Myung-ah

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Artist Kim Myung-ah has auditory difficulties, but her disability inspired her to become an artist and share her talents through art therapy.

Kim holds a solo exhibition titled "Relationship ― Skill of Communication" at Gallery Is in Insa-dong, central Seoul, until Dec. 13.

A graduate of Sculpture at Seoul National University’s College of Fine Arts, Kim took part in a residency program at Seoul Art Space Jamsil, a venue for disabled artists operated by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. Currently she works as an art therapist for the disabled as well.

Kim's works reflect modern-day people who recognize the importance of relationships but are unable to communicate well due to a busy life.

"As I experienced various types of interpersonal relationships and studied art therapy, I have a better understanding of the psychology behind human relationships," Kim said. “How people feel catharsis through art was also interesting.”

Kim's auditory difficulties contributed to the characteristics of her works. "Conflict 2" presents two people arguing through layers of thin plastic sheets and clay legs, while "Drawing About Married Life" traces the changes of emotional interactions in married couples on tracing paper over wedding pictures.

"I was bullied in my adolescent years and suffered trauma from the experience. I am kind of slow-witted because I cannot hear and the hearing disability makes it difficult for me to understand what is going on. I always have difficulties communicating and paradoxically I became more interested in communication," the artist-therapist said.

Kim is interested in interpersonal communication and delicate emotional variations in human relations.

"When I have an emotion or relationship to express in art, I first make rough sketches and the most appealing shape develops into a 3D sculpture or installation," Kim said. "Some of the changes are repetitive, but they are never the same yet subtly changing. That is a theme in my work."

The exhibit is supported by Arts Council Korea. For more information, visit galleryis.com or call 02-736-6669.