Qi-Osmosis and Smartphone Photography: The Restoration of Humanity and Existence.

In modern society, technological advancements have provided convenience while simultaneously causing disconnection in human relationships and a weakening of sensory communication. However, photographer Deok Hee Hong introduces a new artistic practice that seeks to restore lost human connections using a smartphone. Her work goes beyond mere documentation, creating a space for sensory interaction between humans, nature, and objects.

Professor Gai Hong’s Qi-Osmosis theory defines art as a process of permeation and exchange between existences, emphasizing the organic interaction between humans and their environment. Hong’s photography visually embodies this philosophy, capturing the delicate flow of interactions in everyday life. By utilizing the digital tool of a smartphone, she actively engages with a disconnected world, fostering sensory connections with her audience.

In her work, light, color, and movement converge to form a field of Qi (氣), inviting viewers not merely as passive spectators but as participants who immerse themselves in the experience. This approach aligns with the Eastern philosophy of fluid existence and resonates with the existential inquiries of the German phenomenological tradition. As Martin Heidegger famously stated, „Language is the house of being.“ Similarly, Hong’s photographs function as a language of existence, facilitating a sensory dialogue.

Regression (with Buoyancy) Series

The Regression (with Buoyancy) series explores the cyclical nature of existence, portraying the journey of individuals as they rediscover and restore their essence. Hong captures the delicate balance between the past and new beginnings, visually expressing the intersection of time and light.

This series does not depict a mere return to the past but rather a profound inner journey to reclaim lost essence. ‘Buoyancy’ symbolizes the force that enables life to rise again, embracing hope and continuity even in moments of uncertainty. Elements of nature—water, fallen leaves, and ice—serve as metaphors for cyclical existence. The melting of ice into water and the absorption of fallen leaves into a stream illustrate the fusion of existence. This concept aligns with Qi-Osmosis theory, emphasizing the fundamental unity of all beings.

The Canon Variations via Green Life Series

The Canon Variations via Green Life series examines the relationship between structure and organic transformation. Canon represents established order, while variations symbolize the changes that occur within it. This series merges elements of nature with human existence, challenging the rigid frameworks imposed by society and demonstrating that change is not disorder but an essential rhythm of life.

Green Life embodies sustainability and interconnectedness, prompting reflection on the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature. Through this series, Qi-Osmosis theory highlights that transformation is not a disruption but a vital flow of life.

Both series share a philosophical inquiry into cycles, restoration, past and present, and the interrelation between nature and humanity. Regression (with Buoyancy) expresses these cycles through bright and buoyant energy, while The Canon Variations via Green Life expands on the fusion of natural and human existence into a sustainable rhythm.

Hong Deok Hee’s photography is an artistic and philosophical endeavor that explores the essence of existence, vitality, and the interconnection between human experiences and the natural world. These series offer more than mere images; they create a space for questioning and reflect on the cycles that shape our lives.