Sohyun Yoon

July 05 2024

In the urban landscape, I encounter objects suspended in time, which I classify as remnants. These external and ownerless remnants often lie fallen, dented, rusty, and mismatched, untouched yet captivating my attention and igniting my imagination. I imagine them in their prime, fulfilling a purpose, now reflecting a state of neglect and decay that hints at their past significance.

In my surroundings, I naturally observe surplus objects. For instance, a broken panel with a flat wooden board attached to four bars might once have functioned as a chair, now discarded after serving its intended use. I visualize the forces that led to its damage and gradual deterioration. Surveying these objects scattered on the streets, I perceive them as lacking in utility yet rich in narrative potential.

While objects are typically discarded once they fulfill their purpose, I contend that they continue to resonate visually within material culture as suspended entities. Unlike new objects used for their intended functions, remnants undergo decay, rust, and eventual disappearance for diverse reasons. These remnants, far from mere waste, illuminate the interplay between past and present through their current condition, occupying dual roles as objects and subjects within material culture.