This week we began independently working on our projects. Aileen, Stella and I dived deeper into our "Mukjah!" project, honing into what we would like to present to the class and how. As we were researching kimchi, we were really intrigued that each variation had its own unique history. To highlight these histories, we plan on making a poster or diagram specifically for this section. We split two kimchi variations per person (six in total). I am tackling radish kimchi and cucumber kimchi.

We also are planning to create a traditional Korean dinner with some sort of kimchi side dish or meal. We think that this is an important aspect of our project because it shows our food in a setting that is nostalgic and significant for us. For viewers, it also shows how they could enjoy kimchi.

The following Thursday we came back to class to learn about plastics and bio-plastic. Although I know the devastating effects of plastic pollution, it was interesting to see how artists tackled the issue and shed light through their own unique perspectives. I enjoyed seeing and reading about artist Alejandro Duran who "collects countless bits of trash that washes up from locations around the world." He uses the debris that he discovers "on this shore of the Caribbean coast which he utilizes for site-specific installations for an ongoing project titled Washed Up. By creating aesthetically pleasing landscapes from a disheartening medium, it’s Duran’s hope to create a harsh juxtaposition that draws attention to the global catastrophe of ocean pollution." I think that this was a very effective approach. When I saw photographs of his work I was intrigued by the beautiful array of colors, other viewers can likewise feel the same and upon studying the piece can learn more about the project and its message.

Sources:

https://ahnestkitchen.com/food/kkakdugi

thisiscolossal.com/2015/04/washed-up-alejandro-duran/

https://twoplaidaprons.com/quick-cucumber-kimchi/