MUSEUM WAVE
The Korean Stone Art Museum, nestled deep in the hillside of Seongbuk-dong, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, emerging as Museum Wave, a dynamic art space designed to captivate younger audiences. This recent transformation has seen the ancient stone statues that once adorned the estate replaced by captivating media art and paintings created by contemporary artists.
Museum Wave is the brainchild of WooriNet, a local broadband provider company, aiming to make its mark in the vibrant K-culture scene. In a strategic move last year, WooriNet acquired StART Art Korea, a commercial art company, solidifying its commitment to the art world.
The inaugural exhibition at Museum Wave, titled "Sublime," commenced on June 17, curated under the guidance of esteemed French media artist and producer, Daniel Kapelian. The exhibition showcases the works of five artists or teams, each occupying separate sections within the museum. Notably, Kapelian deliberately selected artists who had not previously exhibited in Seoul, with the exception of Korean artist Kim Taek-sang, to ensure a diverse and eclectic showcase of artistic perspectives.
In an interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily, Kapelian expressed the significance of the location, stating, "It's a very special place. For me, it's the garden. It's a very spiritual place with all these stones. So we tried to keep the spirit of the old stone museum and [brought] the new modern and contemporary spirit." Kapelian's curation aimed to evoke contemplation on the human condition and the essence of our existence, creating a powerful juxtaposition between the ancient and the contemporary.
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| ▲ "Evolver" (2022) by Atlas V [MUSEUM WAVE] |
One of the featured artists in "Sublime" is Jacky Tsai, a Chinese artist based in London, who presents his works for the first time in Korea. Tsai is renowned for his skillful fusion of multimedia, incorporating acrylic paintings, silk-screen prints, lacquer carvings on wood, and even porcelain. His playful and vibrant illustrations skillfully combine imagery from both the East and the West, often featuring pop art-like illustrations that juxtapose Chinese Taoist fairies with iconic figures such as Superman.
Noteworthy among the exhibits is the XR (extended reality) art installation "Evolver" (2022) created by the French studio Atlas V. This captivating installation offers visitors a meditation session, accompanied by an audio recording narrated by acclaimed actor Lee Jung-jae in Korean or Cate Blanchett in English, experienced through headphones. Following the meditation, visitors can don VR (virtual reality) gear and embark on a mesmerizing journey through the flow of oxygen in a landscape reminiscent of the human body. After premiering in New York and Geneva last year, "Evolver" makes its Asian debut at Museum Wave.
Once visitors have completed the immersive experience, they are invited to explore the outdoor gardens, adorned with numerous rock figurines that harmoniously blend with the natural surroundings, creating a serene ambiance.
"Sublime" will continue to captivate art enthusiasts and visitors until September 17. Museum Wave welcomes guests from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Admission tickets for adults are priced at 20,000 won ($15), providing an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the transformative power of contemporary art in this mesmerizing Seoul art haven.
Sayart.net
Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com
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