Untitled (Ball Pool)

Shin-Young was inspired to create this installation from her experience as an ethnic minority woman in New Zealand. This installation highlights the discrimination faced by Southeast Asian women who marry men from the rural parts of South Korea. 

The ball pool, made out of delicate traditional costume fabric, and carefully handmade ceramic balls, emphasizes Korea’s strong cultural and historical pride. Whilst it appears to be inviting, the ball pool does not permit access. As a consequence to Korea’s innate desire to maintain ethnic homogeneity, the ball pool symbolizes the restraint of Southeast Asian wives and their mixed-race children from assimilating into the society and also expressing their unique and diverse cultural identities. Thus, it loses its purpose as an interactive playground for kids to socialize, learn about one another and build friendships.

This installation embodies Shin-Young’s belief that traditional cultures and customs, while precious, need to evolve and remain accommodative.