Seokyung Kim | Seokyung Kim

Seokyung Kim loves illustrations, poems and writing. The project 'Alternative of Alternative Literature' which she has been working on for the past year is inspired by a poem from her diary, something she began writing in when she started her studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2014. Her projects focus on the algorithms in human speech, including automated translation services such as Google Translate, Markov chain (a mathematical system that moves step-by-step), voice recognition and automatic correction. 'Alternative or Alternative Literature' is in a way the follow up to her graduation project 'The Trace of Sorrow', a book about sadness, written by an algorithm based on eight hundred poetry collections and novels including works by Tolstoy, Brontë, Joyce and Kafka. Kim shows that even though algorithms have no emotions or brains, through our input they are able to develop an unexpected use of language. For her most recent project Kim worked together with writers and critics and made use of a Markov chain. 'Because the system tried to imitate my style, the end result was randomly translated content, seemingly written by a poet disguised as an algorithmic author.' Out of interest in the ways in which machines both limit our creativity and thought processes, whilst at the same time strengthening our imagination, and how writers and reviewers responded, Kim took part in an online writing workshop. Here she read her Markov chain translated poem, without letting anyone know. Some fellow students didn't like it, whereas as others called it a new style of writing, comparable with conceptual and experimental pieces in ambient music. Kim also asked Korean writer and critic Young June Lee and Dutch writers Lars Meyer and Martin Rombouts for their opinion on the poem. Whilst one was not afraid to experiment with these alternative methods, the other was resoundingly critical. 'I would like to show that a translating machine has more potential than just fulfilling a practical function. A collaboration between “human” writers and machine algorithms opens up possibilities – not just for fun, but it can also become a fresh source of inspiration previously unthought of by writers.' The poetry created by the algorithms and the criticism from the writers and reviewers, will be presented by Kim in a publication. The text takes prominence, but Kim is also experimenting with graphic design. During the process, she often contemplates on 'the relationship between book designer and author'. Additionally, she is learning how to program to broaden her creative practices and be able to create commissioned interactive designs and websites.

Watch the videoportret on Talent Platform here