Books
Seonhee Moon's books consist of unique forms of essays and photo books where photography and writing blend together. From emotional travel records in Prague to photo books documenting the lives of roe deer, photo essays capturing memories of May Gwangju, records of animal mass burial sites, to stories of aerial sit-ins, each publication deeply explores various aspects of humans, nature, history, and society. Through records taken after time has passed, the artist finds authentic stories and raises questions we must face.
Lighthouses, Quietly Shining
Starting from the 408-day aerial sit-in by Cha Gwang-ho, a laid-off worker from Star Chemical in 2015, this book contains photos and stories from 33 aerial sit-in sites between 2005 and 2019. The photos, taken not immediately after the events but after time had passed, deeply illuminate the aerial sit-ins and the lives of their protagonists. The artist looks beyond the simple confrontational framework of the media, slowly examining the context of the remaining stories and the real stories of the aerial sit-in participants.
Older Than Names
Portraits of Roe Deer Recorded at the Boundary of Civilization and Wilderness
A photo book recording the life and death of roe deer, the most common but also the most frequently killed wild animal in Korea, for 10 years. It captures the reality of roe deer losing their habitat due to humans, with over 250,000 sacrificed annually due to roadkill and designation as harmful animals. Through her encounter with roe deer, the artist questioned the population control without ecological consideration and social indifference, picking up her camera. Through over 50 portraits of roe deer and journey records, she raises questions we must face at the boundary between humans and wilderness. Winner of the 13th Ilwoo Photography Award Documentary Category in 2023.
Bury
A Record of Animal Mass Burial Sites Due to Infectious Diseases
Photos and stories recorded while tracking animal mass burial sites for over two years. The author witnessed the reality where the value of life is overwhelmed by economic considerations at slaughter sites, and captures the problems and wounds of mass slaughter methods through photos and writing. A book that conveys deep thoughts about livestock infectious diseases and slaughter, and messages of healing.
Un/asked
May Gwangju Buried in Walls
A photo essay by artist Seonhee Moon that looks at May Gwangju not from the political and historical center but from the memories of the periphery. Over two years, she interviewed 80 people who were elementary school students at the time, including their testimonies and 30 wall photos from the alleys. A book that records the traces of families and time embedded in the walls of disappeared and remaining houses.
I Want to Cry
Travel, A Way to Cross Youth
Seonhee Moon's travel essay that began with small money saved in a piggy bank and courage to dream of traveling around the world. The author's journey, even borrowing money to leave, rediscovers herself through travel and gives readers the courage to 'leave now.' A sincere record of realizing the beauty of herself and the world through the process of travel, shouting to the world 'I am here.'
One Fine Day in Prague
A Prague photo essay where words and images blend together with deep emotion. The author spent over a month in Prague as a traveler, showing the people of Prague and the events that happen in Prague like a beautiful film of a day. The records unfold of meeting and parting with them in Prague's alleys, finding 'myself' and capturing 'myself'.