‘Forgotten Myths’

ImageNation Paris 2024

In 2024 Kim was invited to exhibit his photograph ‘Forgotten Myths’ at Imagenation Paris.

‘Forgotten Myths’ is part of Kim Lang’s ongoing ‘Ancient Tales’ personal project centering itself around the idea of combining creative creations and mythology.

Mythology is a continuous driving force in the way Kim Lang uses photography to create fairytale like, storytelling imagery throughout his practise; commercially and artistically. The project revisits this practise and focusses on the idea of inspiration in itself. Where the world has continuously drawn inspiration from cultural tales and myths, it doesn’t always honour the cultural background these inspirations have been drawn from. ‘Ancient Tales’ takes this concept and puts the culture in its center stage.

Kim focusses on one product of creation and works closely with a team that brings different viewpoints and cultural elements to this mythological idea. The result therefore does not only reference the mythical figure itself but also carries a rich and complex cultural context that speaks to many.

The photograph shown at Imagenation Paris centers itself around the concept of 'The Mermaid' and takes Weilong Xie's 'Oceana' Shoe collection, the project revisits cultural interpretations of the mermaid. Though often seen as a half human, half fish creature, there is meanings that go deeper and speak of the danger of temptation, the bewitched sexuality and sensuality, the fear of the wrath of deities.

Taking these elements all into account, Kim created an aquatic creature that is both visually breathtaking as well as alienated from the human way. With the highly reflective skin that shifts in colour, and the artificially placed wig it is as reminiscent of nature's way playing with colours to draw attention to the most poisonous creations.