SURF invites the public to virtual Artist in Residence introduction

an artist kneels beside an unfinished exhibit

Leekyung Kang utilizes diverse perspectives within architectural contexts to challenge the audience's perception of space. Here, Kang works on an unfinished exhibit. 

Photo courtesy Leekyung Kang 

 

LEAD, SD— Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) invites you to a virtual introduction to Leekyung Kang, a celebrated artist, assistant professor at Idaho State University and SURF’s 2021 Artist in Residence (SURF AiR). This will be an online event, streamed on Thursday, April 29, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. MST.

This event will take place at the onset of Kang’s four-week residency at SURF, as she begins to explore the physical and scientific landscapes of the underground facility. Join us to learn about Kang's previous work, her background and what attracted her to apply to the SURF AiR program.

“We’re proud to host Professor Leekyung Kang in our second year of the SURF AiR Program,” said Mike Headley, executive director of SURF. “We’re excited to see the works she’ll develop based on inspiration from SURF and our science.”

A mixed media artist working primarily with painting, printmaking and sculpture, Kang’s work has been exhibited in South Korea; Doha, Qatar; and cities throughout the United States. She has participated in several residencies internationally, including the Fountainhead fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and the Vermont Studio Center. 

Kang’s artistic practice is inextricably tied to the landscapes around her, landscapes she often describes as stratified with physical, invented and imagined layers. Her portfolio explores spaces including the metropolis of Seoul, South Korea, and the evolving architecture of Providence, Rhode Island. Often, she uses Google Earth and GPS programs to help her visualize and imagine inaccessible spaces.

“When an artist is influenced by place, like Professor Kang is, the work becomes the direct result of the artist’s experience in that place. And there aren’t many places as unique as Sanford Lab,” said Gina Gibson, coordinator of the SURF AiR program and a professor of art at Black Hills State University (BHSU). The program is a partnership between SURF and BHSU.

Attendees can join this free event via Zoom webinar to answer polls and submit questions for speakers or watch live on Sanford Lab's Facebook page. Webinar space is limited and early registration is encouraged.

View full event information and register for the Zoom webinar on Sanford Lab’s website.

Sanford Lab is operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) with funding from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Our mission is to advance world class science and inspire learning across generations. Visit Sanford Lab at www.SanfordLab.org.