Song Kang’s captivating series, Vernacular, beautifully melds the essence of animal forms with the soul of human landscapes, creating a spellbinding fusion that transcends the boundaries of art and nature. Her creations are not just sculptures but emotional narratives that portray a mystical dialogue between creatures and the environments they inhabit. By utilizing materials like wood, plaster, papier-mâché, fiber, recyclable plastics, and paper, she captures the delicate balance and interconnectedness of life, reminding us that our surroundings are not merely backdrops but integral parts of our existence. Each piece is a visual poem, reflecting her vision of a world where architectural elements are seamlessly woven into the organic forms of animals, fostering a new understanding of coexistence.
Song Kang’s exploration of the term ‘vernacular’ extends beyond the commonplace, delving into the intrinsic connection between humanity and the natural world. Her sculptures evoke a sense of harmony that is both striking and profound, asking us to reconsider the ways in which we build and adapt. Through her art, Kang invites us into a world where the lines between the constructed and the natural blur, offering a fresh perspective on how architecture and environmental context can harmonize. Her work challenges conventional narratives, suggesting that by embracing the vernacular, we foster not only a deeper connection with our surroundings but a flourishing of creativity and innovation within them.
The term ‘vernacular’ tends to correlate with all things commonplace; however, in the architectural sense, the ‘vernacular’ exemplifies human’s abilities to adapt to their surroundings and build with their environments. This series explores the symbiotic relationship between the vernacular home and the environmental context in which it exists.
Song Kang