Born in South Korea and later immigrating to the United States, Theresa Hak Kyung Cha developed a multidisciplinary practice that spanned literature, film, and performance art. Her work was deeply influenced by her fluency in Korean, English, and French, and her experience navigating multiple cultural identities as an immigrant.

Cha’s artistic practice focused on the deconstruction of language, utilizing repetition, reduction, and visual juxtaposition to examine how communication shapes personal and collective history. Her signature work, Dictée, remains a seminal text in contemporary literature, noted for its innovative use of print and visual media to explore themes of memory and the roots of language.

Decades after her death, Cha’s influence continues to resonate within the contemporary art world. Her legacy is frequently cited by modern artists who draw upon her experimental approach to identity and cultural heritage, as evidenced by recent tributes and exhibitions that engage with her foundational contributions to avant-garde practice.