A former factory workers' dormitory that stood vacant for nearly a decade in Seoul's Seongsu-dong neighborhood has been given new life as Namu Seoul, a contemporary art space that bridges the area's industrial past with its artistic future. The building, originally constructed in the 1960s to house factory workers, now serves as a cultural venue in a district that has evolved from an industrial hub to a trendy destination popular among younger generations.
The transformation of the dormitory into Namu Seoul preserves the memories and dreams of the workers who once called it home while creating space for contemporary artistic expression. The two-story art venue is built around a small courtyard that features a remarkable 90-year-old ailanthus tree, serving as a living testament to the site's rich history and providing a natural centerpiece for the reimagined space.
Namu Seoul launched with its inaugural exhibition titled "Residue," showcasing the innovative collage works of Korean artist Park In-seong. Park's artistic practice involves creating complex layered collages that challenge traditional boundaries between photography and sculpture, between image and physical object. The majority of the works displayed in the exhibition are crafted using pigment-printed photo paper that has been carefully layered with acrylic paint and epoxy resin to create multidimensional pieces.
Park's exhibition concept reimagines the historic dormitory as a living archive of disappearing memories, perfectly suited to the building's own transformation. The artist's unique creative process begins with using a film camera to photograph specific colors displayed on a computer monitor, with each color chosen entirely at his discretion. After the film is developed, Park scans the images into digital format, then subjects them to repeated cycles of scanning and printing until the image transforms into a tactile surface that takes on painterly qualities when applied to canvas.
The final stage of Park's artistic process involves coating the layered surface with transparent resin and applying deliberate physical pressure to create intentional cracks throughout the work. This technique reveals the ongoing tension between artistic control and the element of chance, creating pieces that embody both planned composition and unexpected outcomes. One notable work in the exhibition is titled "Moonlight," which exemplifies Park's innovative approach to mixed media art.
To complement the exhibition, an artist talk with Park In-seong is scheduled for 3 p.m. on October 18. During this session, Park, who is known as an avid reader, will discuss the various books that have served as inspiration for his artistic work, providing visitors with deeper insight into his creative process and intellectual influences.
Grace Minkyung Bak, founder of both Namu Seoul and A-Lens, explained the broader vision behind the project amid ongoing changes in the neighborhood. "As redevelopment plans move forward, the neighborhood is expected to look completely different in the next decade," Bak noted. She outlined ambitious expansion plans for the organization, stating, "Starting in Jeju next year and extending to artist residencies in Gangwon Province, we aim to help artists in Korea and beyond grow and thrive freely like trees."
The "Residue" exhibition will remain on display through October 26, offering visitors the opportunity to experience Park In-seong's innovative works within the historically significant space that now serves as Namu Seoul. The venue represents a thoughtful approach to urban renewal that honors the past while embracing contemporary artistic expression.
