Thinggy of Their Town

April 5 – April 27, 2025

Thinggy of Their Town is a reflection of Hyunsuk Erickson’s cultural hybridity, shaped by both Korean and American influences. Through solo weaving, knotting, and crochet work, she navigates the tensions of adaptation and resistance within her identity. This ongoing project continuously evolves into an immersive world of its own, adapting to different sites while maintaining a distinct presence. Each totem has a unique personality, yet remains faceless, inviting open interpretation. In the evolution of Thinggy of their Town, Hyunsuk aims to create spaces for dialogue on cultural identity, transformation, and the fluid nature of belonging.

The work in the exhibition explores the intersection of contemporary sculpture and traditional fiber arts through multicolored totems. Beginning with organic column-like structures, Hyunsuk encases hard materials such as ceramic, wood, and PVC pipe objects within intricately embroidered and crocheted outer layers. These standing forms, which she calls “Thingumabob,” merges crochet and natural clay with vibrant synthetic materials, embodying a dialogue between heritage and modernity.

Artist Statement

As an immigrant, artist, and mother, I navigate the tensions between tradition and transformation, where multiple cultural influences intersect and evolve. This ongoing exploration informs my artistic practice, shaping my approach to materiality, adaptation, and belonging. As reflected in Thinggy of Their Town, I examine cultural identity in the face of the climate crisis. Drawing from my upbringing on a Korean family farm and my experiences in the U.S., I integrate repurposed materials to reflect the contrasting consumption patterns of my two cultures—from minimalism to maximalism. Through fiber-based sculptural techniques, I create immersive environments that invite dialogue on sustainability, consumerism, and identity. By reshaping familiar materials into new forms, my work challenges perceptions of cultural adaptation and encourages deeper engagement with the spaces we inhabit.