As part of her residency Julia Chon, in collaboration with Korean American shaman Mudang Jenn, Jenn will perform a 30-45 minute ‘gut (굿)’ ritual, at The Nicholson Project, cleansing the space and inviting select audience members to participate. In the space, Julia will create an altar where visitors are encouraged to bring small items in remembrance of their ancestors, creating a collective space for honoring their memories.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Julia Chon, better known by her artist name Kimchi Juice, is a Washington DC-based artist and muralist. Chon’s work explores the relationship between cultural tradition and its effects on generational identity and the decisions Asian Americans make to form their identities. With a prominent Korean aesthetic in each piece, Chon merges her ancestry and traditions with the contemporary to convey the nuances of the Korean diaspora. As Chon’s work makes its way from canvas to large-scale murals, these intimate portraits take center stage in an urban environment. Her murals can be found internationally and her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows in Washington DC, Los Angeles, CA and Miami, FL. Chon’s clients and collaborations include NASA, Apple, the Korean Cultural Center, and the Phillips Collection, among others. Chon was featured in the HBO docuseries “Take Out with Lisa Ling”.

Jennifer Kim, aka Mudang Jenn, is a dedicated Korean shaman and teacher, guiding others bridging the physical and spiritual realms. Her expertise is rooted in years of dedicated practice and a deep, innate connection with spirits and ancestors. This connection has been meticulously cultivated over the years, allowing Jenn to provides various ceremonial works, healing practices and spiritual guidance.More than just addressing individual needs, Jenn's expertise extends to creating and leading community-focused gatherings and events. These are designed to foster collective healing and connection, embodying the spirit of communal wellbeing. Through these gatherings, Jenn facilitates a unique space where individuals can come together, share their experiences, and embark on a journey of collective spiritual growth and healing.

About The Nicholson Project

The Nicholson Project is a paid artist residency program and neighborhood garden in Ward 7’s Fairlawn neighborhood. Our mission is to support, provide opportunities, engage, and amplify artists and creatives from our community and the local artist community—particularly artists of color and those from Ward 7 and 8—while engaging our neighbors through community-based programming. Our vision is to serve as a cultural hub and community anchor celebrating Ward 7’s authentic identity, while infusing new vibrancy into Southeast DC. We hope to inspire others to use similar non-traditional arts and community-centered projects as a pathway toward stronger, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.thenicholsonproject.org.