Dancer in the Mirror Field

2025

single-channel video, 23 min 2 sec

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Ayoung Kim Project
Written and Directed by Ayoung Kim
Produced by Ayoung Kim Studio

Studio Managers(Ayoung Kim Studio): Yena Ku, Hyebin Kim, Soyeon Song, Rijin Yoo
Assistant Director: Hyebin Kim

Research Support: Jisu Hong, Chaerin Yoo
Advisory Interview: Sunyoung Jin, Kanghyuk Lee(Snakepool), SuMin Park

Motion Capture
Action Choreographer: Cha-i Kim
Wire Stunt Coordinator: Wang Seop Lim
Stunt Performers: Dong eun Lim, Ah Ra Cho, Yu Hyun Hwang (Best Action Team)
On-site Coordinators: Hyebin Kim, Hyejeong Kim
Motion Capture Studio: EMP Studio
Motion Capture Post-processing and Editing: EMP Studio, Hyebin Kim, SoHyun Park
Character 3D Model Enhancement: EMP Studio, Seoyeon Kim

Game Engine Technical Art: Seoyeon Kim
Game Engine Development: MetaObjects
Technical Advisor: Sanghun Heo Game
Engine Level Design: SoHyun Park, MetaObjects, Seoyeon Kim

Game Engine Animation: SoHyun Park
Virtual Camera Support: Hyebin Kim, Hyejeong Kim
Supplementary Level Design: Hyebin Kim
3D Modeling Enhancement: Siyeon Kim, Sun Ho Lee
AI Video Generation: Jaeyeon Kim, Hyebin Kim, Soyeon Song
Editing, VFX, Color Grading: Hyunji Lee, Ayoung Kim
Motion Graphics: Soohyeon Kim
Typography and UI Design: Seohyun Choi

Proofreading of Korean-English Subtitles: Yena Ku, Soyeon Song, Rijin Yoo
Translation and Proofreading of Chinese text: Francisco Lo, Frenkie Liu

Thanks to: Ilrhan Kim, Seokyung Jang, Heejung Oh, Soohyun Hwang, Jeongmin Lee

Cited Reference: Astronomical knowledge drawn from Song of the Sky Pacers (步天歌), attributed to Danwonja (丹元子, author unknown), woodblock print, pre-19th century

Commissioned by M+ and Powerhouse, presented by Julius Baer, 2025 (2025 M+ Façade screening)
Sponsored by M+, Powerhouse Museum, Julius Baer Group (2025 M+ Façade screening)

Featuring Objects from the Museum Collections:

M+
Cities on the Move: Bangkok (1999)
© Navin Rawanchaikul, Rirkrit Tiravanija

Architecture of Density #8b (2005), Architecture of Density—a39 (2005)
© Michael Wolf Estate

The Peak, Study for overall isometric night view, Hong Kong, China (1991)
© Zaha Hadid Foundation

PO-33: K.O!
© Teenage Engineering

Neon sign, Sammy’s Kitchen, 204-206
Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, circa 1978
© Sammy Yip

Design sketch, neon sign for Yuen Long Theatre, 1950-circa 1963
© Nam Wah Neonlight & Electrical Mfy, Ltd.

Powerhouse, Sydney
Glass mosaic The Maiden of Abundance from Skygarden retail centre Sydney, Object No. 2010/34/1

Wall of Death design concept by Althouse & Geiger, Object No. 2020/115/1

PowerGlove computer game accessories, Object No. 99/38/1

Test Match board game with box, Object No. 2003/102/9

Sundial, Object No. H4278 Sundial compass by Johan Schretteger, Object No. H4254

Clock with train remontoir and pinwheel escapement, Object No. H5173

National time punch clock, Object No. 2010/1/55

Motor racing trophy won by E A Wilbur Watson, Object No. A9574-7

Nasmyth steam hammer clock, Object No. 91/1177

Collection of Tin Toys, Object No. 85/2574

Tinplate toy cars and accessories collected by Ken Finlayson, Object No. 85/2562

Tinplate toy motorcycles collected by Ken Finlayson, Object no. 85/2569

Matchbox Car 57 Chevy, Object No. 85/2201-7

Toy clown on motorcycle, Object No. 85/2576-5

Dance Flyer Posters, Object No. 2016/22/1

Dancer in the Mirror Field
Source: M+ website

Commissioned by M+ and Powerhouse, Sydney, Dancer in the Mirror Field is a speculative fiction film depicting an annual competition organised by a delivery service platform. Coordinated by a mysterious entity, the contest aims to identify the individual with the most optimised movements. The film reflects on the contemporary obsession with efficiency and the performative effects it has on bodies in the service of wider technological and economic forces.

In the work, three versions of the protagonist Ernst Mo (an anagram for ‘monster’) compete for the coveted title in locations where past and future seem to intertwine. Following the instructions relayed to them, the three Mos begin in a large structure resembling a high-tech gladiatorial coliseum that is inspired by Hong Kong’s sleek shopping malls. They then have a dramatic chase through the neon-drenched streets of a parallel universe Hong Kong. Throughout the film, various elements from Kim’s previous works reappear alongside digital cameos of real objects in the collections of M+ and Powerhouse, the museums that commissioned the work.

Dancer in the Mirror Field is part of Kim’s acclaimed series of fiction films Delivery Dancer (2022–ongoing). It is inspired by classic 1980s Hong Kong action films and stylish animated shows like Aeon Flux (1991–1995). The kinetic visuals are created using a combination of motion capture, 3D game engines, and AI-generated imagery.

The film will be shown on the M+ Facade every night for three months starting on 3 October 2025. The Hong Kong presentation is supported by Presenting Sponsor Julius Baer. It will be presented at Powerhouse, Sydney in 2026.

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