Interview with artist Christine Sun Kim
THE DAILY MOTH:
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you put out an ASL music performance.
CHRISTINE SUN KIM:
Yes, it’s my first time signing music!
THE DAILY MOTH:
How will you design and deliver your performance?
CHRISTINE SUN KIM:
How did all this start for me? In previous Super Bowl games, I watched videos of different deaf performers. I remember being impressed by all these interpretations with different signing styles. I liked how each person had their own vision. Now that it’s my turn, I’ve read the lyrics of the National Anthem along with America the Beautiful. I try to understand 100% of all the meaning behind these words. After that, I translate the words into ASL. I would ask my deaf friends to watch me while I sign. Whenever I get stuck, I’ll ask my friends for feedback, ideas and suggestions. It’s been a part of my process and then I got my final translation done. The next step for me involves two things. First, I need to memorize my final translation. Secondly, hopefully I’ll be able to practice and get into sync with the singer Demi Lovato’s pace. When she holds a note, I’ll need to keep up with her and express that in sign language. There will be an interpreter standing in the distance ready to cue me. I’m actually most nervous about that part!
THE DAILY MOTH:
You will be the first Deaf Asian American to sign the Super Bowl national anthem. What does it mean to you to be the first?
CHRISTINE SUN KIM:
Yes, it’s a big honor for me being the first Asian deaf ASL performer. To be honest, I wish I could see more people like myself on television, in movies or in media. I remember when I was 14, there was a new TV show coming out called “All-American Girl.” The leading role in that show was Margaret Cho who is a comedian/actor/activist. When I saw that family on TV, I thought they looked exactly like mine! That was mind-blowing for me and I felt exposed, in a good way. That show gave me a lot of comfort with my own identity. I want the same thing for other young deaf Asians who watch me as I perform.
THE DAILY MOTH:
You said in an interview with artnet that you grew up seeing your Korean American relatives rooting for the 49ers. Can you tell us a bit more about those experiences?
CHRISTINE SUN KIM:
Growing up, my family would have a lot of get-togethers and we’d watch football games. I remember this one quarterback by the name of Steve Young. We would cheer for him. I didn’t realize that he had played with that team for 13 years. I feel like watching football is often associated with family gatherings. When they found out that I would perform at the Super Bowl, they were really excited for me. But I don’t know if I’ll get any airtime? Would it be for 2 seconds and they’ll think that’s good enough? It depends on FOX.
THE DAILY MOTH:
You also told artnet that you would wear an outfit designed by Opening Ceremony, which was founded by two Asian Americans. Can you tell us more about what influences your fashion and sense of style?
CHRISTINE SUN KIM:
When the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) offered me the opportunity, the first thing I thought was, what I would wear and whose design? I wanted to support an Asian designer. I thought of Opening Ceremony and their two founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim. I met Humberto a long time ago, 15 years ago! It was a brief encounter, then when this opportunity arose, my friend introduced me to Humberto. He said he remembered me and I remembered meeting him too, so it ended up working perfectly! We met in Los Angeles at his store. I tried on different designs and gave basic requests. I need to be able to sign in a large space rather than being restricted. Secondly, of course, my outfit can’t be too distracting for the audience. My shoes have to be either flat or slightly elevated. Wearing high heels would be tough on the turf field! I need something that’s easy for me to walk in. I’m excited though! I like elegance, yet flashiness at the same time. It looks good! That’s just my style, I guess.
THE DAILY MOTH:
You have lived in Berlin, Germany for many years. What do you think when you look towards America, to all the news that is going on over here, and when you see the American flag?
CHRISTINE SUN KIM:
With the current political climate, in terms of how the country is being run, it has been a big mess. It’s very unsettling, but from a different perspective, I feel that our country’s flag represents the laws dictating the land that I was raised in. Here, I was given education and basic quality of life. That flag actually shaped me into the person who I am today. I am proud to represent that flag. It is not perfect though, and we have a lot of work to do.
THE DAILY MOTH:
Thank you very much for your time, and good luck!
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Supported by:
Convo [https://convo.click/2mVhM8h]
Gallaudet University: [gallaudet.edu]