Sang Woo Kim’s *The Seer, The Seen*: A Journey of Reclaiming Identity

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Sang Woo Kim’s exhibition *The Seer, The Seen* reclaims his identity as an artist and model, engaging audiences in dialogues about race and self-perception. Through self-portraits and pigment transfers focused on the theme of gaze, Kim invites viewers to confront their own experiences of observation and identity amid societal judgments. The exhibition reflects a significant moment in his career, showcasing his intricate relationship with these themes.

Sang Woo Kim’s debut solo exhibition, The Seer, The Seen, at Herald St galleries in London, reflects his journey reclaiming his image as both an artist and a model. With a career in modelling spanning a decade, Kim grapples with the complexities of his identity as a Korean man in the Western fashion realm, where he has often felt othered and fetishised. His works invite viewers to confront their own experiences of observation and racialisation, employing self-portraits and pigment transfers focusing on the gaze. The exhibition opens dialogues about the observer and the observed, challenging audiences to examine their perceptions and biases. Kim expresses his fascination with how different audiences relate to his art, especially those who share experiences of exclusion and internal conflict. This important exhibition runs until early 2025, encouraging deep introspection and understanding in the realm of identity and representation.

Sang Woo Kim, a British-Korean artist, uses his art to navigate and reclaim his identity, critiquing his past experiences in the modelling industry and the Western gaze. His past exhibitions have explored issues of representation and marginalisation, as he seeks to bridge the gap between self-image and societal perceptions. *The Seer, The Seen* marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he transitions from modelling to gaining recognition as a serious artist, promoting dialogues about race, identity, and visibility.

Sang Woo Kim’s *The Seer, The Seen* challenges visitors to reflect on their own experiences of identity and observation. His exploration of self-portraiture and the visual language of the gaze positions him uniquely in a dialogue around race and representation. As he continues to reclaim his narrative, audiences are encouraged to ponder the complexities of being both the observer and the observed. This exhibition invites meaningful interactions and personal introspection regarding identity and societal roles.

Original Source: www.anothermag.com