Interview with Saeyeon Kim by Thu Giang Ngo.
Published on 7 JUL 2025.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us something about your artistic background?
My name is Saeyeon, and I’m currently studying Integrated Design in the Master’s program at HfK Bremen. I’m someone who thinks a lot. Sometimes to the point where all those thoughts and worries become overwhelming. When my mind felt overloaded, I started drawing cartoons on square pieces of paper. That simple act helped untangle my thoughts, and I realized that creating art was a way for me to release emotions. That’s how it all began. Now, I continue to develop my own visual language through various forms of work.
How did you get involved in the FOOTNOTES project and what attracted you to take part?
Actually, I didn’t have a clear plan to join the FOOTNOTES project at first. Bettina and Giang encouraged me to take part, and the chance to be part of an exhibition felt exciting and meaningful, so I naturally got involved. Even though I started without a strong direction, the theme of the project turned out to connect with thoughts I often have, which made it even more interesting. In the end, it became a great opportunity to create meaningful work.
What is your contribution to FOOTNOTES?
How did you approach the topic of “FOOTNOTES” and how does your work relate to it?
I approached the theme of FOOTNOTES by focusing on small and familiar things in everyday life, which is something I often do in my work. My piece is a short animation about being addicted to a smartphone, putting off tasks, knowing I need to do something but avoiding it anyway, and then ending up buried under a growing pile of things I haven’t done. I wanted to show this kind of silly but very common experience, something many of us go through, as a kind of footnote to our daily lives.