New Series Extends Artist’s Focus From Birds to the Environments That Sustain Them

Park Sun-mi will present five new works from her “Temenos (Salt Mountain)” series at Kiaf SEOUL 2026.

Park will participate in the fair through BON Gallery. Kiaf SEOUL is scheduled to take place at COEX in Seoul from Sept. 2 to 6.

Since 2021, Park has used birds in her “Chorus” series to examine isolation, disconnection, connection and expansion. The birds serve as representations of individuals with different identities and perspectives.

“Temenos (Salt Mountain)” shifts the focus from the birds themselves to the environments in which they live. The series considers the conditions required to sustain life and the spaces in which a living being can remain.

The works originated from ecological landscapes Park observed at bird habitats and protected areas in different parts of the world. She focused on birds gathering around salt rocks to obtain minerals and salt.

In the series, salt represents a substance required for survival, while the rock formations function as foundations that support life. The physical habitat is also connected to the idea of an inner space protected from external threats and anxiety.

The term “temenos” originally referred to a sacred or separated enclosure. In analytical psychology, it has been used to describe a protected psychological space in which an individual can confront the inner self.

Through the new works, Park addresses solitude, anxiety and the need for refuge in a rapidly changing society. She accompanies the series with the question, “Where is the place for your mind—where is your temenos?”

The five works will be displayed at the BON Gallery booth during Kiaf SEOUL 2026, held in COEX halls A and B and the Grand Ballroom.

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Jason Yim yimjongho1969@gmail.com