K A T H Y  C H A E

As an Emergency Medicine doctor and ex-professor, I have spent over a decade observing the line between life and death. My specialty has given me a unique perspective on the fragility of life. My art is an extension of my experiences as a healer, using gauze as my primary medium. Gauze represents both who I am and the endless possibilities of creation. It is adaptable, flexible, and can be transformed into multiple forms. 

My work aims to achieve a smooth matte texture, and texture is always at the forefront of my creative process. The mounds I create in my artwork are inspired by traditional Korean burial sites. They serve as a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life. I hope that my art does not depress but inspires others to live fully and embrace their time on earth.

While my thoughts may be considered monumental for this era, my art and core values are unapologetically grandiose. I have spent most of my life in Korea, where I draw much of my inspiration. Through my art, I hope to remind people of the universality of the human experience.