SHIELD SERIES

The Shield series, originating from Mimi Jung’s loom, continues to explore the dimensions of self-preservation and how these are shaped by social and cultural mores. The title Shield invites critical questions: What and who deserves shielding? How do we differentiate between the harmed and the harmful? And how fluid or static are these distinctions as they evolve across different contexts?

The term "shield" evokes not a permanent fortress, but rather a transient defense—a temporary barrier that shifts in form and function. To this end, the series employs a delicate accumulation of space between the woven weft, creating a translucent veil that intermittently reveals and obscures the shield’s inherent permeability.

This effect is amplified by the undulating movement of the material, which manifests as a dynamic, sculptural draping. In this interaction, three distinct elements emerge: the viewer, the woven "shield," and the "other side"—represented by the surface on which the weaving is mounted. These elements interact with one another, creating boundaries that shift the dynamics of protection and exposure.

In Steady The Shield, the form nearly envelops the entire frame, suggesting a dense, unwavering barrier. In contrast, His Shield presents a moment of vulnerability, where the form seems to slip, exposing a wavering instability before the shield fully withdraws. This tension between concealment and exposure reflects the fragile, often transient nature of defense, revealing the uncertainty within even the most steadfast protections.

A shield is inherently dual, occupying the space between opposing forces. Through their interaction with the work, viewers are invited to engage with the juxtaposition of form and color, influenced by the titles of the pieces. This interaction allows for a personal narrative to unfold, where each viewer may align with the perspective on one side of the shield or explore the shifting dynamics of both sides, creating a nuanced understanding of protection and vulnerability.