Michael Namkung

Combining his practices as an artist and an elite athlete, Michael Namkung discovered that pushing his physical limits allowed him to open up and explore his emotional pains, too. Michael journeys through sports-inspired performance pieces, how he relearned to write with his left hand when he broke his right, and a digital chorus project that allowed people to voice the pain and despair felt in many U.S. communities in 2016. Immersed in his calm artistic evolution, we learn of the joys to be found in forcing ourselves to slow down, noticing new things when we come up against barriers, and the importance of our discomfort when bearing witness to one another’s pain. The greatest and most rewarding form of endurance, Michael shares, is the dedication and persistence of listening to yourself. Learn to be in tune with your heart, both your pains and your joys.