/ KOR

This work consists of 4 chairs or 12 chairs connected to each other. The gap between the chairs can shift from 60cm to 120cm depending on their position or movement. Each trial can lead to experiences of nearing or distancing a stranger or those more familiar.

This work departs from my interest in the idea of a ‘comfort zone—a zone or a sphere of activity where one feels comfortable and familiar.’ Within each one’s boundary, humans need a space of their own in their surrounding environment. Such space provides a sense of comfort and stability. However, as soon as these spaces are restricted, humans feel tense, uncomfortable, anxious, and afraid and consequently, the boundary breaks down.
The ‘border’ between a space where one no longer feels comfortable, and a space where one starts to overcome such discomfort may be different depending on the person. In other words, everyone has one’s own ‘comfort zone,’ and such zone changes constantly depending on the relationship with the object or the location. According to research, the distance we require between ourselves and a stranger is approximately 90cm to 120cm. Between close acquaintances, the ‘the comfort zone’ is reduced to 60cm or less. For instance, in a limited space such as the elevator, humans automatically distance themselves from the other, because the sudden proximity arouses discomfort and tension. However, between friends, we are not afraid of sharing our private space by holding hands or hugging each other.

Through two types of installations, the audience can discover and recognize their individual ‘comfort zone,’ that shifts every moment. The audience will physically experience the ‘interaction between humans.’