김대희
Dey Kim
Daehee Kim
STATEMENT
과학자이던 예전에 실험실에서 겪은 일이다. 다음 날 중요한 실험을 앞두고 미생물을 배양할 때면, 접종된 배지 용기에 종종 하트 모양을 그려 넣거나, 밤에 퇴근 전에 인큐베이터를 열고 “잘 부탁해, 좋은 밤 보내렴”이라고 인사를 건네곤 했다. 그러면 신기하게도 다음 날 오전 실험실에 출근했을 때, 아이들이 평소보다 건강하게 자라 있는 것을 확인하곤 했다. 이 경험을 몇몇 동료들과 나누었을 때, 이것이 비단 나만의 경험이 아니라는 것을 알게 되었다. 각자의 방법으로 마음을 전하면, 미생물은 화답했다. 그때부터였는지 모른다. 우리가 그들과도 소통할 수 있을지 모른다고 생각하기 시작한 것이. 이 깨달음은 나와 이 작은 생명체 사이의 경계를 초월하는 깊은 연결감을 불러일으켰다.
나는 인간이 자연을 외부의 대상으로 인식하는 관성에 주목한다. 많은 이들이 자연과 인간을 분리된 존재로 여기며, ‘자연적인 것’과 ‘인공적인 것’을 대립하는 개념으로 받아들인다. 하지만 개미가 개미집을 짓고, 새가 둥지를 만들듯이, 인간이 만든 건축물 또한 자연의 일부로 볼 수 있지 않을까? 우리는 집 안의 화분을 보며 “자연이 가까이 있어 좋다”고 말하지만, 정작 우리 자신이 자연의 일부라는 사실은 자주 잊는다. 눈에 보이지 않지만, 우리 안팎에 늘 함께하는 미생물은 우리가 자연과 분리된 존재가 아니라는 사실을 조용히 일깨워준다. 미생물은 인간과 자연 사이의 경계를 흐리게 만드는 존재이다.
This happened when I was a scientist in the lab. When culturing microorganisms before an important experiment the next day, I would often draw a heart on the plate containing the inoculated medium, or open the incubator before leaving at night and say, “Please take care, have a good night.” The next morning, upon arriving at the lab, I would surprisingly find the ‘children’ growing somehow healthier than usual. Sharing this experience with a few colleagues, I learned that this wasn’t an experience exclusive to me. When we sent our care in our own ways, the microorganisms reciprocated. Perhaps that was when it began—the moment I started thinking that we might be able to communicate with them too. This realization sparked a sense of connection that transcended the boundary between myself and these small life forms.
I focus on the human tendency to perceive nature as an external object. Many people regard nature and humanity as separate entities, accepting ‘natural’ and ‘artificial’ as opposing concepts. Yet, just as ants build anthills and birds build nests, could we not also view human-made architecture as a part of nature? We look at a houseplant and say, “It’s nice to have nature close by,” but we often forget that we, ourselves, are part of nature. Although invisible, the microorganisms that are always with us, both inside and out, quietly remind us that we are not separate from nature. Microorganisms are beings that blur the boundary between humanity and nature.
BIO
김대희는 환경공학을 전공하고 과학적, 공학적 관점에서 환경 문제를 연구하며 경력을 시작했다. 학위 과정 동안 미생물을 활용한 친환경 나노입자 합성(석사)과 미생물연료전지 연구(박사)를 진행했으며, 이후 정부출연연구기관에서 바이오연료를 연구하며 지속가능성을 주제로 한 과학기술 중심의 연구를 이어갔다.
그러나 연구를 지속하는 과정에서 기술적 접근만으로는 포착하기 어려운 환경의 복합성과 감각적 차원에 주목하게 되었다. 실험실의 틀 안에서는 담아내기 힘든 자연과 인간의 관계에 대한 질문들이 점차 쌓여갔고, 그는 이러한 질문을 예술적 시선으로 조망하며 과학기술 너머의 감각적 인식으로 시야를 넓혀가기 시작했다.
현재 그는 소리와 생물학을 매체로 작업하는 예술가로서, 인간과 미생물의 접점에서 발생하는 현상을 소리를 통해 탐구하고 있다. 일상 속 소리 풍경에 숨겨진 미생물과의 새로운 관계를 상상하며, 이를 퍼포먼스, 전시, 워크숍의 형식으로 관객과 공유한다. 자연을 감각하고 관계 맺는 또 다른 방식을 제안하며, 환경을 이해하는 다층적 경로를 모색하고 있다.
Dey Kim began his career studying environmental issues from scientific and engineering perspectives with a background in environmental engineering. During his academic studies, he conducted research on eco-friendly nanoparticle synthesis using microorganisms (M.S.) and microbial fuel cells (Ph.D.). He later continued his science and technology-focused research on sustainability themes while studying biofuels at a government-funded research institute.
However, as he continued his research, he became attentive to the complexity and sensory dimensions of the environment that are difficult to capture through technical approaches alone. Questions about the relationship between nature and humans that were hard to contain within the framework of the laboratory gradually accumulated, and he began to examine these questions through an artistic lens, broadening his perspective with sensory awareness beyond science and technology.
Currently, he works as an artist using sound and biology as his medium, exploring phenomena occurring at the intersection of humans and microorganisms through sound. He imagines new relationships with microorganisms hidden in everyday soundscapes and shares these with audiences through performances, exhibitions, and workshops. He proposes alternative ways of sensing and relating to nature, seeking multilayered pathways to understanding the environment.
(Short bio)
바이오미디어 아티스트 김대희는 미생물을 인간과 자연의 경계를 흐리게 만드는 존재로 인식하고, 인간과 미생물이 맺는 새로운 관계를 탐색한다. 생태적 데이터와 음향적 매체를 결합한 음악적 경험을 통해 자연을 감각하는 또 다른 방식을 제안하며, 환경을 이해하는 다층적 경로를 모색한다. 국립극장, 국립아시아문화전당(ACC), 대관령음악제, 파라다이스아트랩, ZER01NE 등에서 퍼포먼스, 전시, 워크숍을 통해 관객과 만나왔다.
Biomedia artist Dey Kim perceives microorganisms as beings that blur the boundaries between humanity and nature, exploring the emergence of new relationships between them. By integrating ecological data with sonic media to create musical experiences, he proposes alternative ways of sensing the natural world and seeks multi-layered pathways for environmental understanding. His performances, exhibitions, and workshops have been presented at institutions including the National Theater of Korea, the Asia Culture Center (ACC), the Music in PyeongChang, Paradise Art Lab, and ZER01NE.
CV
Full CV (pdf) available for download here
Performance
2025 Daehakro Art Theater, Seoul, KR
2025 Film Forum, Seoul, KR
2025 KOTE, Seoul, KR
2025 COEX Magok, Seoul, KR
2025 Samadi Lounge, Seoul, KR
2025 Seoul Arts Center, Seoul, KR
2024 November Natural, Seoul, KR
2024 Moss, Seoul, KR
2024 Sejong Center, Seoul, KR
2024 Salt, Seoul, KR
2024 Kim Hee Soo Art Center, Seoul, KR
2024 Meogom Winery, Seoul, KR
2024 Meogom Winery, Seoul, KR
2024 Dotolim, Seoul, KR
2024 Meogom Winery, Seoul, KR
2023 Sejong Center, Seoul, KR
2023 Asia Culture Center, Gwangju, KR
2023 Namdong Sorae Arts Hall, Incheon, KR
2023 Hwigyumjae, Seoul, KR
2023 National Theater of Korea, Seoul, KR
2022 Anyang Arts Center, Anyang, KR
2022 Incheon Art Platform, Incheon, KR
2022 Oil Tank Culture Park, Seoul, KR
2022 S-Factory, Seoul, KR
2022 Banjul, Seoul, KR
2022 Minor Swing, Yongin, KR
2022 Samil-ro Changgo Theater, Seoul, KR
2022 Dotolim, Seoul, KR
2021 Boomiz, Seoul, KR
2021 PaAp Lab, Seoul, KR
2021 Post Theatre, Seoul, KR
2021 The Stump, Seoul, KR
2021 Exit Points #16, Toronto, CA
2021 Garamsinjak, Cheongju, KR
2021 Momuro Salon, Seoul, KR
2020 Art Bunker B39, Bucheon, KR
2020 Hongti Art Center, Busan, KR
2020 Jeonju International Sori Festival, Jeonju, KR
2020 3F House, Ulsan, KR
2020 LiebeLiebe, Ulsan, KR
2020 In The House, Seoul, KR
2020 Art Bunker B39, Bucheon, KR
2020 In The House, Seoul, KR
2020 Art Bunker B39, Bucheon, KR
2019 Suchang Mansion of Youth, Daegu, KR
2019 Strange Fruit, Seoul, KR
2019 Emu Art Space, Seoul, KR
2019 Bupyeong Arts Center, Bupyeong, KR
2019 Yeongildae Beach, Pohang, KR
2019 Art Space Boan, Seoul, KR
2019 Art Space IAa, Jeju, KR
2019 3F House, Ulsan, KR
2019 Alpensia Ski Resort, Pyeongchang, KR
2019 BallWorkBeer, Seoul, KR
2019 Alley Sound, Seoul, KR
2019 Ghetto Alive, Seoul, KR
2019 Incheon Art Platform, Incheon, KR
2019 3F House, Ulsan, KR
2019 UNIST, Ulsan, KR
2018 Dotolim, Seoul, KR
2018 Ringo Shop, Seoul, KR
2018 Seoul Art Space Seogyo, Seoul, KR
2018 Oil Tank Culture Park, Seoul, KR
2018 Seogwipo Cultural Battery Station, Seogwipo, KR
2018 Mudaeruk, Seoul, KR
2018 VOFOL, Seoul, KR
2018 YOGIGA pal.gallery, Seoul, KR
2018 Seogwipo Cultural Battery Station, Seogwipo, KR
2018 Dotolim, Seoul, KR
2018 WORM, Rotterdam, NL
2017 SCALe, Seoul, KR
2017 Alley Sound, Seoul, KR
2017 Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, NL
2016 Royal Conservatoire, The Hague, NL
Group Exhibition
2023 ZER01NE DAY, S-Factory, Seoul, KR
2022 Wake the Sense, Gagi Gallery, Ulsan, KR
2022 ZER01NE DAY, S-Factory, Seoul, KR
2022 Purple Marble, Royal X, Hwaseong, KR
2019 Island Project SOME, Art Space IAa, Jeju, KR
2019 Infinity fSM II, Incheon Art Platform, Incheon, KR
2018 Infinity fSM, UNIST, Ulsan, KR
2017 Pidgin, Yogiga Gallery, Seoul, KR
2013 Nature+Media Annuale, Arko Art Center, Seoul, KR
Discography
2025 Deep Deep Hearts – Dey Kim, Cucumber9 Records
2025 Trinity (live at dotolim) – saaamkiiim
2024 lull~Yuyeong – Modular Seoul, Seoul Electronic Records
2022 Acoustic Territories Vol.0 (compilation)
2022 My Self – saaamkiiim, Stellive
2022 Theosophy – Detection of Dead Spot, The Arts Label
2021 Borderless – Detection of Dead Spot, The Arts Label
2020 Ma-chal – saaamkiiim, Mung Music
2020 Chitchat – Dey Kim & Sun Ki Kim, inipi
2020 Decoded & Interpreted – Dey Kim, Cucumber9 Records
2019 Wave – Detection of Dead Spot, The Arts Label
2019 Light – Detection of Dead Spot, The Arts Label
2018 CROSSTALK – Dey Kim & Rozi Mákó, Cucumber9 Records
2014 Sea Breeze from Jeju – Goyo, Feelosophy Entertainment
2010 Came Alone – Goyo, DigitalRecord Inc.
2009 Calmness – Goyo, Self-released
Artist Talk, Community Art Program, Mentoring, Lecture, Workshop
2025 Workshop, Seoul Arts & Culture Education Center Seocho, Seoul, KR
2025 Workshop, Jeju Foundation for Arts & Culture, Jeju, KR
2025 Workshop, Suwon Art Space Gwanggyo, Suwon, KR
2025 Mentoring, Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, Suwon, KR
2025 Community Art Program, Modu Art Space, Seoul, KR
2025 Workshop, Piknic, Seoul, KR
2025 Workshop, Paradise Cultural Foundation, Seoul, KR
2025 Community Art Program, Seoul Arts & Culture Education Center Seocho, Seoul, KR
2024 Artist Talk, Galdar, Seoul, KR
2024 Guest Lecture, Korea National University of Arts, Seoul, KR
2024 Workshop, Leeum Museum of Art, Seoul, KR
2024 Workshop, Paradise Cultural Foundation, Seoul, KR
2024 Mentoring, Arts Korea Lab, Seoul, KR
2023 Workshop, Asia Culture Center, Gwangju, KR
2023 Workshop, Seocho Cultural Foundation, Seoul, KR
2023 Lecture, Seoul Water Recycling Museum, Seoul, KR
2022 Guest Lecture, Yonsei University, Wonju, KR
2022 Community Art Program, Hwaseong City Cultural Foundation, Hwaseong, KR
2022 Community Art Program, Seoul Citizens Hall, Seoul, KR
2020 Community Art Program, Youth Center, Ulsan, KR
2019 Lecture, Artspace Boan, Seoul, KR
2019 Community Art Program, Seoul Upcycling Plaza, Seoul, KR
2019 Lecture, Ulsan Metropolitan Library, Ulsan, KR
2019 Community Art Program, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, KR
2019 Workshop, Octomo, Seoul, KR
2018 Workshop, Korea Creative Content Agency, Seoul, KR
Residency
2022 Incheon Art Platform, Incheon, KR
Grant
2025 RE:SEARCH, Seoul Foundation of Arts and Culture
2023 ZER01NE Alumni, Hyundai Motor Group
2022 ZER01NE Creator, Hyundai Motor Group
2022 Incheon Art Platform
2022 Royal&Co & ACT Ground
2022 WAVE, Seoul Foundation of Arts and Culture
2018 Idea Convergence Factory, Korea Creative Content Agency
PRESS
2024 곰팡이-박테리아… 다시 보니 예술이네, 동아일보
2023 서울시국악관현악단, 믹스드 오케스트라 Ⅱ <소리의 색채>, 서울문화투데이
2023 범패와 전자음악의 멋진 하모니…‘새로운 음악 장르로’, BBS불교방송
2022 생물간 연결성과 관계성을 소리로 탐구하는 예술가 김대희, 월간 리뷰
2020 울산서 일반인~전공자 참여 내달 7일~9월 9일 작곡 워크숍, 울산제일일보
2019 유니스트 사이언스월든센터 ‘렉처 콘서트-숨은 연결 듣기’, 경향신문
2019 울산시민 문화예술 아카데미 다섯번째 강좌, 울산제일일보
2019 제주 ‘섬’에서 찾아낸 다양한 ‘화두’와 ‘영감’, 제주일보
2019 과학이 그리는 미래를 예술로 표현하다, 노컷뉴스
2013 Nature + Media Annuale, Eloquence
2013 과학자+예술가+건축가 만나 과학예술 꽃피다, 대덕넷
2012 미생물로 폐수처리하고 전기까지 얻는다, 동아일보
2010 Best Music of the Month, Music Alliance Pact, The Guardian
2007 세계적 권위 국제학회에서 주목, 조선일보
PHOTOGRAPH
김대희 | Dey Kim 