Elly Cho’s "Island (Sum)," a 2-channel video piece from 2021, will be showcased at the 198th Annual Exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA).
This silent film uses the island as a metaphor for life, inspired by Cho's experiences living in London, Manhattan, and Jeju Island, and explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and fantasy.
The film's aesthetics, including black and white costumes, reflect emotional instability and inner conflicts caused by island life, with the dancer's movements symbolizing the quest for hope.
"Island (Sum)" has received numerous awards, including from Berlin Shorts and the Cannes World Film Festival, demonstrating its universal appeal.
The RSA Annual Exhibition, the largest and longest-running contemporary art exhibition in Scotland, runs from 11 May to 16 June 2024, featuring both physical and digital displays.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com