The Dim Intersection Project began in 2015 with an individual's interest in the boundaries between regions and places, evolving since 2016 with multidisciplinary experts (architects, planners, artists) to experiment with the intersection of urban past, present, and future through local history and identity. In 2016, "The Dim Intersection: Bridge of Freedom" visualized the political changes in local housing around the symbolic 'Unification Road' and the repercussions of urban development through videos, books, and performances.

In 2017, "The Dim Intersection Project: City of Borderers" approaches Goyang City's unique 'new city' identity from a generational perspective through visual arts. Goyang City uniquely expanded from its inception in 1992-1993 with outsiders settling in the Ilsan New Town, reaching a population of one million within a short span of 24 years. Since 2014, it has re-emerged as a city with three coexisting generations, where the newcomers predominantly view themselves as 'borderers.' Mostly young generations moving from nearby Seoul and Gyeonggi areas, they define themselves as 'borderers' rather than fully integrating into Goyang City due to the cultural facilities and conveniences of Seoul being just two to three subway stops away from places like Samsong and Wonheung.

To them, Goyang City represents not a settled place but rather a place of 'unsettlement.' Originally a psychological term used by Kurt Lewin, 'borderers' refer to individuals who, upon leaving a group they have long belonged to and joining a new one, find themselves in a state of ambiguity, unable to fully abandon the mindset and behavior of the original group while not fully adapting to the new one. The unique mindset of these third-generation residents has diverged from the original meaning of the term. They consciously and voluntarily define themselves as 'borderers.'

"The Dim Intersection Project: City of Borderers" begins by observing and documenting the newcomers who have recently entered the new city. While the 2016 project focused on the 'present' lives of existing first-generation residents through research, publication, and exhibitions, the 2017 project holds significant importance in depicting the 'future' lives of 'city dwellers.' Thus, through collaborative data gathering, discussions, and various outputs such as performances, videos, photographs, and publications, it aims to present a new perspective on the 'new city' identity through Goyang City. 

text: Jang Youngwon

The 2017 "The Dim Intersection Project: City of Borderers" involved three critics and six writers. Over approximately six months, one critic and two writers formed a team to present a productive local research-oriented project.

Lee Yun-young (critic)/Kim Ee-bak + Kwon Jae-hyun

Im Kyung-min (critic)/Lee Joon-young + Oh Bit-na

Jo Ji-hyun (critic)/No Seung-pyo + Hong Jang-oh