Born in Seoul and based in New York City, Anicka Yi has established a practice that bridges the gap between art, science, and the olfactory experience. Her work often involves collaborations with biologists and chemists to create immersive environments that challenge traditional perceptions of art and sensory engagement.

Yi is known for utilizing unconventional materials, including microbial colonies, bacteria, and synthetic scents, to investigate themes of decay, memory, and the human condition. Her installations often function as living, evolving systems that respond to their specific environments.

Recent recognition includes her inclusion in the 2026 New Museum exhibition New Humans: Memories of the Future, which examines the impact of technology on identity. Additionally, she is set to debut Message from the Mud at the Storm King Art Center in 2026, marking her first large-scale outdoor installation.