Discover Keunhee Park

Life is a labyrinth—a series of twists, turns, and intersections that challenge our sense of direction and understanding. My sculpture, crafted in wood, stands as a metaphor for this journey. It is a representation of the search for meaning within the complexities of existence. Through angular lines, interconnected forms, and shifting perspectives, the work becomes both a reflection of my personal narrative and an invitation for viewers to explore their own path.

The human experience is not a straight line; it is a maze that we navigate every day, encountering moments of clarity alongside feelings of uncertainty. This sculpture captures that dynamic. Its interlocking geometric structures appear in constant motion, as if the work itself is searching for resolution, balance, or stillness. Yet, the piece never fully resolves—it remains intentionally open-ended, mirroring the unpredictability of life’s journey.

The material choice of wood is deliberate. It connects my work to the natural world while serving as a symbol of resilience and imperfection. The grains, textures, and natural variations in the wood mirror the organic, ever-changing paths we take in life. Each piece of wood is carefully shaped, joined, and balanced to create a structure that appears precarious but holds firm, much like the way we navigate challenges and find strength amid uncertainty.

Concept and Themes

At its core, this sculpture explores the tension between movement and stillness, chaos and order. The angular forms extend in multiple directions, creating a sense of urgency—as if the work is reaching outward, pushing boundaries, or searching for something unknown. Yet, for all its complexity, there is also a sense of quietude in the piece. The open spaces within the structure invite contemplation, allowing viewers to “enter” the work, both visually and emotionally.

The theme of the labyrinth is deeply personal to me. It is a reflection of my internal struggles, moments of doubt, and the questions that drive me forward. Who are we? Where are we going? And what is the meaning behind this journey? This work does not offer answers. Instead, it embraces the act of searching. The interconnected pathways suggest that every choice, every step, leads to another—sometimes forward, sometimes back. It is this constant navigation that shapes our experience of life.

This duality of the labyrinth—its beauty and its challenge—is central to the work. For me, the labyrinth is not a trap but an opportunity: a chance to explore, reflect, and discover meaning in the unknown. Each line and form in the sculpture represents this process, embodying both the struggle and the possibilities that arise as we move through life’s complexities.

Material, Process, and Form

The choice of wood as the primary medium is significant. Wood, as a natural material, has a history and a life of its own. Its texture, imperfections, and grain patterns remind us of growth, time, and resilience. In shaping the wood, I engage in a dialogue with the material, respecting its natural qualities while pushing it into new forms.

The process of constructing this sculpture is both meditative and labor-intensive. It begins with sketches and studies—mapping out the interconnected forms, much like tracing the paths of a labyrinth. From there, I carefully cut, sand, and join each piece of wood, balancing precision with intuition. The act of assembly mirrors the themes of my work: it is a process of trial and error, of constructing and reconstructing, of finding harmony within complexity.

Visually, the work plays with perspective. When viewed from different angles, the forms shift and transform, revealing new pathways and relationships. This shifting perspective is intentional. It reflects the way our understanding of life changes depending on where we stand and how we look at our experiences. The negative spaces within the sculpture—those gaps and openings—are just as important as the solid forms. They allow light to pass through, creating shifting shadows that bring the work to life. These shadows represent the unseen aspects of our journey: the thoughts, emotions, and questions that linger just beyond our reach.

Engaging the Viewer

This work is not just about my journey—it is an invitation for others to reflect on their own. The labyrinth is a universal symbol. We all encounter moments of uncertainty, confusion, and transformation as we navigate life’s paths. By engaging with this sculpture, viewers are encouraged to consider their own experiences:

• Where am I in my journey?

• What paths have I taken?

• Where do I hope to go next?

The interplay of movement and stillness within the work offers a space for introspection. Some viewers may see the structure as a maze to be solved, while others may find comfort in its open-ended nature. In this way, the work becomes a mirror—reflecting different meanings for each individual.

The sculpture’s physicality also plays a role in this engagement. Its size, weight, and material presence demand attention. It is an object that feels solid and grounded, yet its dynamic forms create a sense of movement and flow. This tension between stability and motion speaks to the challenges and beauty of existence.

Conclusion

This sculpture is a reflection of life’s labyrinthine nature—a visual exploration of the search for meaning amid complexity. It embodies themes of uncertainty, movement, and transformation, while inviting viewers to engage with their own journeys. Through its interlocking forms, shifting perspectives, and interplay of light and shadow, the work creates a space for contemplation, connection, and discovery.

For me, this work is a testament to the human experience: the act of navigating through life, embracing its challenges, and finding beauty in the unknown. It is my hope that viewers will not only see the labyrinth in this piece but also recognize it within themselves—that they will find comfort in the journey and strength in the search.