River: Mask
At the riverbank of the Anyang River, I created a mask using pieces of traditional handmade paper. The river, though modest in size compared to the expansive Han River in Seoul or the Hudson River in New York, holds historical significance, with the nearby Manan Bridge having once been part of the Silk Road.
As I worked, people walked and cycled past, glancing curiously but rarely stopping. One amateur photographer lingered, finding in my actions a compelling subject. Though the mask-making was the focus of my performance, I came to realize that the intervention was not about me or my act. Instead, it was about those who chose to engage—whether through conversation, quiet observation, or simply by being present.
This performance highlighted the subtle connections formed in public spaces, where unspoken exchanges and fleeting interactions create intimate, shared experiences. The mask served as a catalyst, but the true essence of the work lay in the community’s silent participation, their curiosity, and the unique dynamic we momentarily shared. I was both part of the scene and apart from it—an observer and an observed, connected yet distinct.