Sangwan Shawn Kim

Sangwan “Shawn” Kim is a media artist whose work visualizes the unseen rhythms of human existence, translating raw life force into spatial experiences of light, sound, and technology. Rooted in his extensive background in interactive media and performance, he approaches technology not as a cold, functional tool, but as a sensitive medium designed to reveal the deepest layers of human emotion and collective memory. His practice is driven by the philosophy that true art requires a human soul. Rather than allowing technology to obscure human presence, Kim orchestrates immersive environments where digital pixels breathe in sync with human vitality. He seeks to create spaces that evoke profound emotional resonance, transforming fleeting, invisible moments into physical, shared realities. Transitioning from his foundational role as a collaborative stage designer, Shawn is now expanding his practice into independent fine art. He is currently exploring contactless biometric sensing—such as visualizing human heartbeats through Wi-Fi frequencies—to create installations where human energy connects deeply without physical touch. He received his B.A. in Theatre & Film from Hanyang University and is currently pursuing his MFA in Interactive Media for Performance at CalArts, continuously challenging the boundaries of how human life is felt and remembered through media.