Sayart.net - ＂Transeptum＂: Lee San Oh and Mimmo illustrate Spiritual and Communal Spaces at Seoripul Gallery

Seoripul Gallery’s latest exhibition, Transeptum, brings together artists Lee San Oh and Mimmo in a profound exploration of collective consciousness and the human need for symbolic spaces of gathering. Running from November 19 to December 13, 2024, this exhibition, organized by the Seocho Cultural Foundation and Seocho-gu Office, encourages audiences to reexamine themes of community, ritual, and spiritual engagement within a contemporary setting.

The exhibition title, Transeptum, derives from the architectural term for the wing sections of cruciform church designs, areas where the structure intersects, symbolizing both spatial and spiritual convergence. Lee San Oh’s use of repetitive wing motifs and Mimmo’s integration of architectural language within their work draws parallels with the transept, creating a unique interplay of historical and modern forms. By positioning the exhibition in Seoripul Gallery’s underground, linear space, the artists and curators have reimagined this transitional area as a modern sanctuary, where visitors can experience a sense of ritual and introspection.

In the exhibition’s introductory remarks, the curatorial team notes that Transeptum invites viewers to reflect on the diminishing sense of “solidarity through healthy communities” in contemporary society. This theme is evident in the way the artists integrate forms that evoke traditional religious spaces, encouraging viewers to engage in contemplative dialogue with the works. Lee San Oh and Mimmo’s works echo the central role that religious spaces once played in cultivating unity and belonging, calling attention to how contemporary society might rediscover similar focal points for connection.

Lee San Oh’s works are marked by recurring winged forms, symbolizing aspirations and transcendence while simultaneously grounding viewers in a space that recalls sanctity and ritual. This repeated wing motif not only reflects the architectural significance of the transept but also evokes a sense of spiritual elevation, inviting viewers to find their meanings in the abstract shapes. Mimmo’s contributions, meanwhile, incorporate architectural elements that echo traditional spaces of worship, creating a bridge between the aesthetic and symbolic, reminding viewers of the enduring power of ritual spaces.

Seoripul Gallery’s unique subterranean layout enhances this sacred atmosphere. Visitors experience a sensory journey through the linear, enclosed corridor, where the boundary between art and audience dissolves. The space is designed to facilitate interaction between viewers and the artwork, drawing them into an immersive experience that parallels the sanctuary-like nature of a religious transept. This setting encourages the gallery itself to transform into a space of ritual, where art and viewer interaction create an ephemeral yet potent sense of sanctuary.

The exhibition also includes a series of interactive programs, deepening the experience for participants. On November 30, the gallery will host two workshops that invite attendees to explore the materials and techniques used by the artists. In “Creating Fresco Relics,” participants will learn about fresco methods, crafting their relics, and connecting with the tactile, meditative process of art-making. The “Prayer Bracelet Workshop” allows attendees to design bracelets with beads and personalized messages, encouraging personal reflection and imbuing a sense of ritual into the creative process.

For music lovers, the gallery will hold a special interpretive concert, “K-Violin Concert with Explanation,” featuring classical music performed on Korean-made violins. This event not only celebrates the craftsmanship of local instrument makers but also provides context for each piece performed, further enriching the audience’s engagement with the art and space. These supplementary programs amplify the exhibition’s core themes, fostering a holistic cultural experience that bridges the visual, tactile, and auditory senses.

An official from the Seocho Cultural Foundation commented, “Transeptum is not merely an exhibition; it’s a journey into a recreated sacred space where art, architecture, and audience converge. By reintroducing ritualistic elements in contemporary art, we hope visitors leave with a renewed sense of belonging and self-reflection.”

Through the convergence of architectural, symbolic, and communal elements, Transeptum offers an experience that transcends conventional exhibition formats. The exhibition, deeply rooted in themes of ritual, belonging, and introspection, invites viewers to consider how modern society can reestablish a sense of collective identity and shared spiritual spaces. By the time visitors exit Seoripul Gallery’s linear pathway, they will have experienced a thoughtful journey through both history and contemporary art, finding in Transeptum a space that resonates with universal themes of connection and unity.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com