희연 이

"A passionate designer dedicated to transforming spaces into beautiful, meaningful experiences. Inspired by the belief that every space has the potential to evoke emotion and inspire creativity, I aim to bring artistic vision and practical design solutions to life."

• UCLA Readymade, Board member of media department

Oversaw stage design, coordinated performances and promoted events in Readymade UCLA music busking club. Ensured inclusivity and financial sustainability through talent recruitment and partnerships.

• KUAA (Korean United Artist Association), Founder/ Planning team leader & Curator

 Directed strategic planning, curated exhibitions, and fostered community engagement to support Korean artists in the U.S., promoting cultural exchange and collaboration.

Collaborated with the Hammer Museum("Breat(e)" exhibtion) through UCLA's Word and Image class on an artist book project responding to Otobong Nkanga's work. Inspired by her use of raw materials to convey social commentary, created a book exploring 'Rawness,' focusing on the cyclical journey of 'Metal' which is about  human extraction and exploitation back to nature. The project emphasized the interconnected relationship between humanity, materials, and the environment.

• UCLA Senior Capstone Show, 2024

Created sculptures and utilized Touch Designer and Arduino for the Design Media Arts graduation exhibition to explore a balanced utopia of self-formation. Additionally, served on the installation committee, overseeing the overall direction of the exhibition setup.

• KUAA 'Reality Threshold', 2024

Facilitated as the head visual director and media artist in this exhibition titled 'Reality Threshold,' exploring visualization of emotions if adjectives became nouns, transcending reality.

• UCLA Fine Arts Exhibition, 2023

Incorporated interactive motion and 3D video installation to fine art exhibition focused on the visualization of abstract concepts.

• 'Frame of Self Consciousness', 2022

Led South Korea-based community for art students, collaborating on projection mapping and visual directing projects that explore fear and obsession in consciousness.

• 'Flow of Spirit', 2022

Managed visual directing and fabrication for art exhibition interpreting the invisible flow of air in empty spaces through Eastern aesthetics.

UCLA Dean's Honor List