INTERVIEW Khadouja Tamzini
PUBLISHED 29. JAN 2025
Soobeen Woo is a media artist based in Bremen, Germany. In her work, she explores fluid identities and the intersections between digital and physical realities. She challenges anthropocentric perspectives and reveals invisible dimensions of existence.
// What is interesting about joining a light and media art project in Lüdenscheid?
I am deeply interested in using light as a tool in my work and sharing it with a broader audience to exchange new perspectives through my creations. The light and media art project in Lüdenscheid presented an excellent opportunity to realize these artistic goals.
// Why did you agree to join this year’s Lichtrouten edition?
I decided to join this edition of Lichtrouten because it aligns with my exploration of light as a medium. For me, light is more than a visual element. It connects space and audience while enhancing sensory experiences. The theme ‘New Energy’ resonates deeply with my work, as it reflects both sensory and symbolic energy. Using light, steam, and sound, I explore the cycles and symbolism of energy, making Lichtrouten the perfect platform to bring this vision to life.
// How does the context of Lichtrouten inform your piece? Are there local elements or aspects you’ve incorporated?
This project did not directly incorporate specific local elements or the context of Lichtrouten, but it was designed to harmonize naturally with the environment of the festival. It focuses on creating sensory experiences using light, steam, and sound, offering audiences room for new interpretations. In particular, the concept was developed with the possibility of installation in a public space in mind, considering potential interactions with the audience.
// How do you approach creating art for public spaces? What unique challenges and opportunities does this present?
When creating art for public spaces, I focus on the site’s characteristics and the audience’s experience. Public spaces require works that are open to interpretation and interaction, engaging a diverse audience.
Challenges like environmental variables and the need for clear, universal messaging can be complex, but public spaces also provide opportunities for spontaneous encounters and broader engagement. I aim to create works that integrate seamlessly into the space while inviting audiences to actively participate and explore new perspectives.
// Are there any other artists or works in this year’s festival program that particularly resonate with you? Do you have any recommendations for the audience?
Although I have reviewed some information about the other artists and works featured in this year’s Lichtrouten program, I have not yet experienced them firsthand. Therefore, rather than discussing specific works, I look forward to the sense of discovery and inspiration that can only come from experiencing them on-site. I believe it is important to see the works in person, experience their interaction with the space and the audience, and uncover their true charm. I highly recommend that visitors take the time to experience the diverse works in person, interpreting and feeling them in their own way.
// The title ‘Resonair’ is intriguing. What is the intention and message behind this title?
The title ‘Resonair’ encapsulates the core themes of the work: breath and resonance. A combination of ‘Resonance’ and ‘Air,’ it symbolizes the visual and auditory interplay of breath and steam interacting with light and sound. This reflects the main themes of the work, such as the cycle of life, energy, and the interaction between humans and nature.
Air, as the essence of life and the primary material, acts as a symbolic medium connecting humans with nature. Ultimately, ‘Resonair’ conveys vitality, circulation, and harmony, encapsulating the message and intent of the work.
// Can you walk us through your creative process for this artwork, from initial ideas to the concept to the final execution?
Humans and non-humans share breath, living as one. Inspired by my recent work on the ‘right to breathe freely,’ I explored ways to use breath as a sensory medium. At the same time, I conducted technical experiments with light and steam, merging these ideas to create a conceptual framework centered on human face masks, steam, and light.
Initially, I considered projection mapping and AI-generated video, but the unpredictable nature of steam made precise mapping difficult. Instead, I shifted to using fiber optics to diffuse light more organically. To emphasize the communal nature of breath, I moved away from a single mask design and developed a concept featuring ten interconnected masks.
This project became a journey of exploring breath as a symbolic and material element through steam, light, and sound. Beginning with an intuitive idea, it evolved through experimentation and refinement into an immersive installation that connects directly with the audience, uncovering new possibilities for creatively overcoming technical challenges and conveying messages through sensory experiences.
// How does your artistic practice engage with light and media as mediums? What drew you to work with these elements?
Light and media are essential tools of expression and key mediums in my work. My initial interest in using light stemmed from its fluid and ever-changing nature. Light, as a visible yet intangible medium, offers a unique opportunity to explore the boundaries between materiality and immateriality. This aligns deeply with the themes I often explore, such as fluid identity, the cycle of life and energy, and the interaction between humans and nature.
What fascinates me most about light is its ability to go beyond simply illuminating a space. It can reconfigure space and expand the audience’s sensory experience. I am particularly drawn to creating works where the audience can interact with light, experiencing intuitive and immersive moments.
Ultimately, light and media are indispensable tools for materializing the messages and narratives I aim to convey through my work. Their flexibility and expressive potential continue to push the boundaries of my artistic practice.
// What technologies are you employing in this work? How do they contribute to your artistic vision?
The ‘Resonair’ project utilizes ultrasonic humidifiers, fiber optics, and audio technologies to enhance its sensory experience and core message. Ultrasonic humidifiers generate steam, symbolizing breath and life while visually expressing the boundary between materiality and immateriality. Fiber optics transmit and diffuse light, creating immersive visuals as the light interacts with steam, representing the dynamic energy of life. Audio technologies add depth, illustrating the cycle of life and energy while shaping a spatial atmosphere for immersion.
These technologies not only function independently but also interact dynamically to reinforce the artistic vision. By combining light, steam, and sound, ‘Resonair’ explores the balance between materiality and immateriality, nature and artifice, offering a rich sensory experience that effectively conveys its themes on visual, auditory, and symbolic levels.
// The combination of steam and light seems to visually express the flow and interaction of life. What were your main considerations when combining these two mediums in your work?
The main focus when combining steam and light was to ensure that the two mediums interact dynamically, visually conveying vitality and the flow of life. Steam symbolizes breath, and its fluid, transient nature made it an ideal medium for representing the cyclical and flexible aspects of life.
Light, on the other hand, interacts with the steam by refracting and diffusing, exploring the boundary between materiality and immateriality. The ever-changing visual experiences created at the intersection of light and steam were central to the work. This combination was designed not only as an aesthetic choice but also to allow the audience to sensorially engage with the interaction between life and nature.
Ultimately, the combination of these two mediums highlights the flow and vitality of life while maintaining an open structure that invites individual interpretation and sensory exploration from the audience.
// ‘Resonair’ addresses ecological coexistence and humanity’s reliance on nature while exploring the boundaries between materiality and immateriality, as well as nature and artificiality. How do you hope the audience will experience and perceive these messages and boundaries?
‘Resonair’ explores ecological coexistence and humanity’s reliance on nature while shedding light on the boundaries between materiality and immateriality, as well as nature and artificiality. What I hope for is that viewers will rediscover their intrinsic connection to nature through the simple yet profound act of breathing.
The sensory experience created by the interplay of steam, light, and sound goes beyond delivering mere visual beauty. It is designed to make audiences feel the cycles of life and understand the deep interconnection between human breath and the natural world. This experience encourages viewers to reevaluate their everyday act of breathing and reflect on the intricate relationships between nature, humanity, and technology.
Ultimately, ‘Resonair’ invites the audience to directly engage with the interdependence of humans and nature through their senses, inspiring a renewed appreciation for the essential value of breath. The work aims to function not just as a vessel for delivering a message, but as an open platform where viewers’ interpretations and interactions complete its meaning.
// Were there any technical experiments or adjustments you had to make during the creation process? If so, could you share an example?
One of the biggest technical challenges during the creation process has been finding a way to control the interaction between steam and light. Steam, by its nature, is constantly changing shape and is heavily influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, making it difficult to achieve the desired visual effects. To address this, I have been testing multiple approaches with different directions in mind.
What I found particularly interesting during this process is how unexpected, natural patterns added originality to the work. The interaction between steam and light changes every moment, meaning the piece doesn’t simply follow a fixed design but instead evolves and transforms according to its environment and conditions. I believe this quality has added a sense of vitality to the work.
// How does this work relate to or depart from your broader artistic practice?
‘Resonair’ is both connected to my broader artistic practice and marks a significant step into new territory. My work often explores fluid identities, the relationship between humans and nature, and the boundaries between materiality and immateriality. ‘Resonair’ expands on these themes by focusing on breath as a symbolic and universal element.
This project is particularly significant as it represents my first time working with ceramics, as well as my first experiment with the interplay of steam and light. While my previous works focused more on digital media and video, ‘Resonair’ stands out for its emphasis on physical and material elements, creating a sensory and immersive experience.
‘Resonair’ not only builds upon my existing themes but also opens new directions in my practice by exploring new materials and technologies, pushing the boundaries of how I engage with audiences.
// How do you hope viewers will interact with or experience your work? What do you want them to take away from it?
I hope viewers will not just observe ‘Resonair’, but actively engage with it, immersing themselves in the sensory experience. The interaction of light, steam, and sound creates a dynamic environment that invites exploration beyond physical limits.
I want viewers to rediscover the vitality of breath and reflect on the shared air that connects humans and nature. Through personal interpretation, I hope they feel an emotional or philosophical connection to the piece.
Ultimately, I want viewers to sense the interconnectedness between humans and nature and reflect on the importance of breath and air in our lives.
// Looking ahead, how do you see light and media art evolving in response to our changing world? What future directions excite you in this field?
Light and media art will evolve to become more integrative and multidimensional in response to changing environments and technological advancements. Light, as a medium, explores the boundaries between materiality and immateriality, offering a fresh perspective on the relationships between society, nature, and humanity. I also believe that its integration with technologies like AI will further enhance the scalability and interactivity of such works.
Personally, I look forward to seeing projects that visually and sensorially address global issues such as climate change and sustainability. These works can go beyond providing sensory experiences, delivering powerful social messages and encouraging deep reflection among audiences.
// What insights or experiences from this project do you think will influence your artistic direction in the future?
This project has had a significant impact on my artistic direction. By using light, steam, and sound to explore the boundaries between materiality and immateriality, I came to understand how sensory experiences can be a powerful tool for conveying a work’s message. The process of visually and audibly expressing the relationship between breath, nature, and life has become a meaningful starting point for addressing themes of sustainability and ecology more deeply. This work was designed to allow viewers to freely interpret and find their own connections with it, showing me how the meaning of a piece can expand through audience engagement.
In conclusion, this project opened up new artistic possibilities for exploring the relationship between humans and nature through the use of light, sound, and steam. Moving forward, I plan to continue developing these themes in my future work.