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Sewstainability

School of Fish by Yeonmi Ki

Yeonmi Kim

July – November 2022
at Powell River Public Library

In the Library
is a partnership of qathet ART and PR Public Library

About Sewstainability

My recent artwork is mainly discarded plastic packages sewn to create 2d panels addressing  environmental changes, means of production and sustainable living. 

Many of the works in my recent series are produced by sewing recycled plastic packages to  produce 2D wall pieces of maps showing locations that are suffering the severe effects of  climate change. The mapping started with reflections on my personal and cultural history as  an immigrant to Canada , cultural differences and my unique experience. I started using  recycled plastic packaging due to the volume of material in our household waste, and its  resilient colour and materialize.  

While some of the maps are more autobiographic than others, the underlying narrative  addresses the climate crisis, consumerism and capitalism by the use of found and discarded  material. Our cultural habits and values in the individual and collective come into question. I’m offering suggestions by creating unique, engaging and thought provoking artwork by carbon  neutralizing means of production. 

The series called Sewstainablility also includes work that addresses the threats to our oceans  from both the climate crisis and plastic pollution. This series of work is a reflection of the value of finding balance and living well on a daily basis.

About the artist

Yeonmi Kim was raised in Seoul, South Korea, and received a BFA before working in the fashion industry then interior design. Her experience includes visual merchandising, painting, craft work, and woodwork including furniture design. She also designs and sews upholstery and clothing.

She immigrated to Canada in 2013 and now works as a visual artist based in Powell River, BC.