We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jinha Kang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jinha, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
For me, I believe creativity thrives on curiosity. When my curiosity is alive, so is my creativity. I actively cultivate a sense of wonder in my everyday life, approaching the world with questions rather than assumptions. I’m especially drawn to the overlooked and the ordinary, which often hold the most unexpected inspiration. One habit that fuels my creativity is taking unplanned walks. Wandering without a set destination allows me to notice details I might otherwise miss. Even familiar streets reveal something new when I remain present and attentive. While working as an art director, for example, I was once stuck on a font decision. A spontaneous walk through Times Square, surrounded by bold, ever-evolving advertisements, sparked the solution I needed. Living in Manhattan enhances this practice; the city’s constant motion and dynamic art and design scene provide a rich environment for creative exploration. I’ve learned that staying open, observant, and willing to wander is essential to keeping my creativity alive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a multimedia artist and designer exploring how technology can capture the subtleties of human emotion, particularly in moments of distance, transition, or vulnerability. My work sits at the intersection of art, design, and physical computing, using sensors, code, and storytelling to reimagine how we connect across space and time.
At the heart of my practice is the belief that digital tools need not be cold or transactional; they can be soft, poetic, and even intimate. I create interactive installations, speculative devices, and wearables that evoke emotions, whether it’s the emotional distance of a loved one, the weight of silence in a conversation, or the invisible rhythms of another person’s body.
One of my recent works, Mirage (2023), explores the emotional dissonance of relationships that seem perfect from a distance but crumble upon closer examination. This inflatable sculpture responds to the viewer’s proximity, inflating and deflating in real-time to create a visceral experience of desire, illusion, and disappointment. I collaborated with an AI shape generator to design a form that embodies contradictory feelings, such as vulnerability and sharpness, softness and hurt, inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotional experiences. The piece is not about exposing specific relationships, but rather creating space for collective empathy and personal introspection.
Another piece, Body Orchestra (2021), exhibited at the Boston Cyber Arts Gallery, addresses the loss of intimacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. As social distancing blurred the sense of touch and proximity, I designed a wearable gadget that encourages two people to physically interact, allowing them to experience the journey of building intimacy and being fully present in the moment. Initially, performing with others filled me with nervousness, but as we found our rhythm, a special bond and intimacy developed, with each interaction producing unique and colorful harmonies.
Nature Inspired Makeup (2021) is an innovative wearable device that merges technology with nature, transforming the makeup routine. The device captures vibrant colors from the environment and seamlessly applies them to the face, creating a dynamic and unique look inspired by the beauty of nature. Equipped with a color-detecting sensor, LED, Arduino Nano, and wires, this gadget brings the colors of nature, whether from a blooming flower, to the serene tones of a forest, into your makeup routine. The idea came to me one day while strolling down the street, mesmerized by nature’s hues, and I wondered, “What if I could bring nature’s colors directly into my makeup? How can I extend nature into my body?”
What excites me most is bridging art and technology to create experiences that go beyond what either can offer alone—for instance, prioritizing empathy over efficiency, and designing interfaces that invite reflection, slowness, and emotional depth. I’ve been developing a collection of experimental human-computer interactions around these themes, and this exploration continues to shape my approach to art, design, and technology.
I’m now expanding these ideas through new collaborations, bringing interactive works to public spaces like the Queens Botanical Garden and Lincoln Center in New York City. I’m also continuing to develop poetic technologies that help us reconnect with our humanity in an increasingly digital world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I believe the most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge in my journey have been empathy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep curiosity for technology.
Empathy has always been at the heart of my work, particularly in the realm of interactive art and design. Understanding and connecting with the emotions of others—whether it’s a viewer experiencing my art or a user engaging with a digital product—has shaped how I create meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences. Empathy allows me to design work that goes beyond functionality and fosters authentic emotional connections. For those starting out, my advice is to listen attentively to others and embrace a broad understanding of diverse perspectives. Whether collaborating with clients, working within a team, or engaging with an audience, the ability to respond with care and consideration is an invaluable skill.
Another crucial aspect of my journey has been the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By merging art, technology, design, and the humanities, I’ve been able to achieve innovative and impactful outcomes. Collaborating with people from different fields sparks fresh ideas and creative breakthroughs. I stay curious and remain open to learning from others with different expertise. Whether through formal education or hands-on projects, I always seek opportunities to collaborate with those whose skills complement my own, as this will expand my approach and broaden my perspective.
A deep curiosity for technology has been vital to my work, especially when experimenting with interactive installations and wearable gadgets. Tools like coding, sensors, and digital fabrication have enabled me to bring my ideas to life. Even though I wasn’t a technical expert at the start, understanding the possibilities and limitations of the technology I’m working with has been essential. Personally, I’ve relied on resources like YouTube and GitHub, and I’ve participated in engineering classes and projects at MIT and Brown University to develop the necessary skills. The more familiar I’ve become with technology, the more confident I feel in bringing my creative ideas to life.
In summary, cultivating empathy, embracing interdisciplinary collaboration, and nurturing a curiosity for technology are essential for anyone embarking on a creative journey. Keep learning, stay curious, and never shy away from taking risks to explore new ways of thinking and creating.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was nurture my curiosity and optimism. They constantly asked me ‘Why?’ about everything from small observations to big decisions, which taught me to stay curious, think deeply, and never stop learning. They also showed me how to remain optimistic, even in difficult situations. Their attitude helped me learn to stay positive in tough times and always look for the bright side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jinha-kang.com
- Instagram: jinhakang.usa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinha-kang
Image Credits
All images by Jinha Kang. All rights reserved.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
