The art of inspiration
Joomi Chung inspires students with her work on and off campus
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Published
The art of inspiration
Joomi Chung inspires students with her work on and off campus
•
Published
Joomi Chung, professor of Studio Art at Miami University, will present "Unfolding Stories" at the Hiestand Galleries from Oct. 15 to Nov. 17.
“Unfolding Stories” is a project that required a lot of collaboration. Chung first started with the idea of creating new art based on exhibitions from students of art history.
“I wanted to create a bridge between art historians and the practice of visual artists,” Chung said.
The idea grew from there to include animation, choreographed dances, lightshows, and more. The project is truly interdisciplinary, connecting students and professors from many backgrounds.
Chung said she “wanted faculty and students to fully utilize their experience and shine in their respective fields” and “to take what students learn in class and directly position it in a professional context.”
Beyond helping the students grow as professionals, this experience changed Chung as a professor.
Chung said, “this was a very interesting, transformative experience because it created lots of different contexts to think outside of the routine and experiment with different ways of teaching.”
“Unfolding Stories” will appear as an exhibition at the Hiestand Galleries from Oct. 15 to Nov. 17. The opening experience will occur in the evening of Oct. 15 and include glowing walkways, panel presentations, dancers, and a projection of animations on the Miami University Art Building.
A work of many on campus, Chung hopes to make this project biennial. She said, “I think of ‘Unfolding Stories’ as a platform that changes conceptual framework from one year to another.”
Chung also has a number of past accolades and exhibitions, including an active exhibition at the Springfield Art Museum with her pieces such as “Surfaces” and “Swarm.”
Her pieces are an exploration of the intersection of scientific systems like cartography and more perceptual spaces like the moment a plane takes off.
Chung said, “the foundation is really perception, understanding, and the immensity of space which connects to the idea of the sublime.”
Despite maintaining her normal class schedule and dedicating many hours of work to this exhibition, Chung described this process as nurturing and transformative.
She said, “on one side, it is physically exhausting, but, on the other side, it connects me again to being myself as an artist.”
Chung has high praise for the exhibit space and her co-exhibitor, Manami Ishimura. Chung’s exhibit will remain on display at the Springfield Art Museum until May 9, 2027, for anyone who would like to go learn more.
Joomi Chung’s work with “Unfolding Stories” and her exhibit at the Springfield Art Museum shows the passion and drive of Miami University professors.
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Creative Arts? Visit the website for more information.