Sensory Device &
The Way to Seoul Forest,
2023, Seoul
Client *
City of Seoul (Seoul is Musesum)
"Seoul Forest fills my empty world and brightens my once darkened heart. Slowly, I become immersed in it."
— Kim Eun-young, from Close Your Eyes
In collaboration with architect Lee Ji Hong from ZZ Architects, kizigroup was introduced as an emerging collective that bridges the fields of architecture and visual arts, engaging in various artistic experiments. They won a public art project competition and carried out the project in partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Their mission was to create an artwork inspired by Seoul Forest, Seen Only When Eyes Are Closed by Kim Joo-young, a winning entry in a city-run writing competition. In this story, the narrator, having lost their sight later in life, recounts their experience of reconnecting with nature during a visit to Seoul Forest—a connection they thought would be impossible. Drawing from this narrative, Kiji Group conceptualized Sense Device, an installation that encourages people to experience nature beyond the singular sense of sight, engaging instead with smell, touch, and sound.
Sense Device consists of five sculptures: Dodo, Rere, Mimi, Papa, and Solsol. Dodo serves as a restful space where one can absorb the sounds of nature within Seoul Forest. Rere invites visitors to sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the environment. Mimi captures the earthy scent of Seoul Forest, allowing visitors to connect with the fragrance of the soil. Papa blends the rhythms of the wind and the drumming sounds created by people interacting with the space. Lastly, Solsol creates a place where one can experience the sounds of rain and the flow of light.
Sense Device guides visitors to experience nature through multiple senses, beyond the limitation of sight. Just as in the story of the writing competition winner, the smell of earth, the movement of the wind, and the symphony of raindrops—though unseen—can be envisioned and felt deeply. Nature, once internalized, speaks to us in a quiet yet continuous dialogue. It’s no longer about the "visible nature" but the "felt nature," as the wind, rain, and soil blend with the movements of people, gradually immersing us in the experience. When you close your eyes, you can see even more.
Accompanying the artwork’s unveiling, a sensory-related workshop called The Way to Seoul Forest was also held.