We were lucky to catch up with Rosa Sungjoo Park recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rosa Sungjoo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a sound artist and designer, my journey into this industry started with a profound fascination with how sound shapes our perceptions and emotions. Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to exploring various methods of crafting unique auditory experiences that engage and heighten the senses of the audience. From my earliest years, I have always been captivated by the transformative power of sound to evoke emotions and memories, taking the listener to another world. This lifelong curiosity led me to pursue my Master of Fine Arts degree at the Rhode Island School of Design, where I immersed myself in Digital Media with a specialization in sound art. There, I not only honed my technical skills in sound design, computer music, and physical computing but also learned how to use sound as a core medium for storytelling. As my journey unfolded, I found myself drawn to the intersection of sound and visual media, creating a range of works that span from immersive sound installations to intricate soundscapes for independent films. I collaborate closely with filmmakers to design and implement soundscapes that enhance the emotional impact and narrative depth of their films. My film sound work, including the feature documentary “80 Years Later” (2022) directed by Celine Parreñas Shimizu and “Of Ink and Color” (2023) by Weimin Zhang, has been screened at prestigious film festival venues such as the Cannes World Film Festival, Toronto Documentary Feature and Short Film Festival, and São Paulo International Film Festival.
My body of work extends beyond film sound, encompassing sound sculptures and multimedia installations that delve into my cultural heritage and identity. Exploring themes such as Korean traditional rituals, shamanistic practices, and rites of passage, I utilize sound as a medium of reverence and remembrance, reflecting my journey as a diasporic Korean artist. My installations and performances have been showcased across diverse venues worldwide, including the MUMUTH Haus für Musik und Musiktheater, Kala Art Gallery, Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, LG Art Center, Charlotte New Music Festival, Asia Digital Art & Design Association (ADADA) Conference, and International Community for Auditory Display (ICAD) Conference. One of the aspects of my work that I am most proud of is my commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound in the film and art industry. Whether experimenting with unconventional recording techniques, exploring new technologies, or collaborating with artists from diverse backgrounds, I continually strive to innovate and challenge the notion of the perceived limits of sound as an artistic medium. Through my creative endeavors, I seek to underscore the intrinsic significance of sound, demonstrating that it is not merely a supplement to visual media but a fundamental element that shapes the very essence of the audiovisual experience, evoking a profound spiritual response in the audience.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, the driving force behind my creative journey is to explore the profound impact of sound on human emotion and perception. My goal is to push the boundaries of sound design through innovative techniques and technologies, transcending its traditional role as a background element to become a central, transformative force in storytelling and immersive experiences. Utilizing cutting-edge methods such as spatial audio, binaural recordings, and algorithmic composition, I strive to craft intricate auditory textures and soundscapes to challenge and expand the audience’s understanding of how we perceive and interact with the aural elements of our environment. As a female artist of color, I am dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the diverse sonic landscapes of different cultures and places. By embracing and celebrating cultural diversity, I aim to inspire my community and audience to delve into their own cultural identities and appreciate the richness and diversity of the world around us. Ultimately, I believe that sound has the power to transcend boundaries and invite us to a shared journey of human expression and connection.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the ability to inspire and evoke emotions in others through my creative work. Experiencing the resonance of something I have created with someone else is deeply fulfilling, transcending the boundaries of time and space. Across generations and cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities, I firmly believe in the artist’s capacity to forge connections on a profound level, resonating through the collective consciousness of humanity and its diverse story and heritage. I am grateful for the opportunity to foster these connections through the universal language of sound, touching hearts and minds in ways that no other medium can achieve alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosapark.org/
Image Credits
James Ken Butler, Rosa Sungjoo Park