Sound is the primary formal element of my work. And because of the physical aspects of sound – that it cannot be seen and that it acts upon a different part of the brain than does visual media - I feel it is a very expressive method of working. Through my work I am searching for a way to “look” at sound. The starting point of my idea is based on the Lotus Sutra in Buddhism.

It says: When we are suffering, we listen to the name of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva and speak his/her name. Then he can hear that and instantly save by helping us to reach Nirvana. If I exactly and really believe in this Sutra, I think it could be a way of relieving our/ my suffering. Therefore, I try to build objects that are always Avalokiteśvara as a meaning, which tell us his/her name. Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva’s translated name in Korean is Kwan Eum, and the meaning of his name is Sound Looking.

觀 = Kwan = look

音 = Eum = sound

In 2001, I want to deal 
with “Sound Drawing” that can be visualized. The reason why I want to draw with sound is to show the power that paintings have through sound as well. Whereas a picture leaves trace, sound doesn’t. I guess this is the element that differs mostly even though sound and visual 
media have many similarities. Thus, I want to create trace of sound. Although sound is marked on an audiotape or on a Compact Disc, it cannot be seen. I think I need a new system that can show the sound and can draw as well; searching for a sound trace might be categorized crucial part of my work.