Yunni Cho, artefacto collective – Week 1 – Introduction
Jun 9, 2023
Ciao! I am Yunni Cho, and it’s a pleasure to introduce myself and share my experiences with you. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). I have an interdisciplinary background in architecture, urban studies, and cognitive neuroscience. And my research focuses on the profound impact of daylight in buildings, exploring how it not only illuminates spaces but also provides invaluable psychological benefits for the occupants.
Beyond my academic pursuits, art holds a special place in my heart as a powerful medium of communication. Through my artistic endeavors, I express my diverse interests and enthusiasm, driven by a profound appreciation for our inherent connection to nature and the intricate biological systems that surround us. My ultimate goal is to capture the aesthetic and systematic beauty of these subjects, showcasing the essence of co-living, the interconnectedness of living beings, and the harmonious interplay of light and space that unites them all.
Together with Bernardo, I co-founded the ‘artefacto’ collective. Our collective advocates for peaceful coexistence with nature and promotes the use of vernacular techniques to counterbalance the excessive digital consumption prevalent in contemporary culture. This year’s open call at Sasso, themed “creating a myth,” resonates perfectly with our shared passions and interests. I eagerly anticipate delving into the myth we have initiated, centered around enchanting encounters with nature, set against the captivating and historically rich backdrop of Casa Sasso.
My residency began with a week of immersive drawing, a process that allows me to observe and document my surroundings. Through art, I quickly familiarized myself with the historical charm permeating Sasso, appreciating the inherent beauty that resonates within this place. The focus of my attention during this week was the materiality of the house, particularly the prevalence of stones – a striking feature reflected in the very name “Sasso,” meaning stones in Italian. This fascination led me to imagine the story of these stones, their journey to this place, and their role in constructing the structural supports of the house. Subsequently, my exploration expanded to researching the history of stone construction techniques and the symbolic significance associated with stones throughout history.
Concluding the week with a more tactile engagement, I crafted a sculpture that encapsulates my current interests, utilizing found wood, stones from the house, and workshop equipment. I named this sculpture the philosopher’s stone, an ancient myth that continues to resonate to this day.
This transformative week of immersive exploration has sparked countless ideas and inspirations for continuing my film practice. I am thrilled to collaborate with Bernardo and further develop this narrative as part of our collective artistic journey.
Yunni