The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist's instagram
The solo exhibition Rewilding Zone by the artist Manwook, held at Hoard Gallery in Seoul from December 6, 2024, to January 8, 2025, invites viewers into a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's relationship with the natural world. Reflecting on themes of coexistence, environmental stewardship, and the tension between wildness and civilization, the exhibition challenges traditional perspectives on art and ecology.
Manwook, an installation artist renowned for his experimental approach and deep engagement with ecological themes, takes inspiration from his interactions with plants and nature. Earlier this year, the artist rescued plants from a redevelopment site and brought them into his home, only to realize the limitations of cohabiting with nature indoors. The experience prompted a broader reflection on the concept of "rewilding," ultimately leading him to return the plants to their original outdoor environment. This journey, embodying the movement from domestication back to wilderness, underpins the exhibition's philosophical and aesthetic foundation.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist's instagram
The exhibition is anchored in the concept of "rewilding" both as a natural and cultural process. Through his works, Manwook critiques humanity’s hierarchical view of nature and advocates for a more integrated coexistence. His mixed-media pieces, such as City with the Moon Every Day and Wind That Brushes Past Nameless Beings, juxtapose the rigidity of urban structures with the fluidity of organic forms. Using materials like oil sticks, acrylics, and charcoal on linen, his artworks depict fragmented yet harmonious landscapes that challenge viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment.
Manwook’s artistic philosophy extends beyond aesthetics. His practice draws parallels between artistic creation and ecological processes, emphasizing the need for disruption and regeneration. In works like No Rule: You Who Became Eyes and Wings, he plays with irregular shapes and textures, symbolizing the unpredictability of nature and its ability to reclaim space. This theme of nature’s resilience is further explored in installations that evoke the breaking of concrete to reveal fertile soil beneath.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist's instagram
The exhibition also raises profound questions about humanity’s place within the natural world. Through his art, Manwook addresses the ethical implications of human intervention in ecosystems and the potential for re-establishing balance. His works act as visual meditations on the idea of "rewilding humanity"—encouraging viewers to abandon their perceived dominance over nature and embrace their role as participants in a shared ecological system.
Visitors will encounter a range of works, including Different Directions of the Same Energy, a carved wood panel that evokes the interconnectedness of life, and Unreachable You with the Machine That Holds You, which critiques humanity's reliance on technology as a mediator in relationships with the natural world. These pieces, while diverse in medium and execution, are unified by their thematic focus on restoration and coexistence.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist's instagram
The exhibition also draws on broader philosophical and ecological ideas, connecting art with global conversations about sustainability and resilience. Manwook’s work serves as a call to action, encouraging audiences to rethink urban environments as spaces where nature can thrive alongside humanity. By envisioning a "rewilded" future, the exhibition transcends its physical boundaries, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
Through Rewilding Zone, Manwook demonstrates the power of art to inspire dialogue about humanity’s ecological responsibilities. The exhibition offers not just a visual experience but a contemplative journey, urging viewers to engage with the complexities of coexistence and the possibilities of a more harmonious relationship with the natural world.
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Hoard
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist's instagram
The solo exhibition Rewilding Zone by the artist Manwook, held at Hoard Gallery in Seoul from December 6, 2024, to January 8, 2025, invites viewers into a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's relationship with the natural world. Reflecting on themes of coexistence, environmental stewardship, and the tension between wildness and civilization, the exhibition challenges traditional perspectives on art and ecology.
Manwook, an installation artist renowned for his experimental approach and deep engagement with ecological themes, takes inspiration from his interactions with plants and nature. Earlier this year, the artist rescued plants from a redevelopment site and brought them into his home, only to realize the limitations of cohabiting with nature indoors. The experience prompted a broader reflection on the concept of "rewilding," ultimately leading him to return the plants to their original outdoor environment. This journey, embodying the movement from domestication back to wilderness, underpins the exhibition's philosophical and aesthetic foundation.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist's instagram
The exhibition is anchored in the concept of "rewilding" both as a natural and cultural process. Through his works, Manwook critiques humanity’s hierarchical view of nature and advocates for a more integrated coexistence. His mixed-media pieces, such as City with the Moon Every Day and Wind That Brushes Past Nameless Beings, juxtapose the rigidity of urban structures with the fluidity of organic forms. Using materials like oil sticks, acrylics, and charcoal on linen, his artworks depict fragmented yet harmonious landscapes that challenge viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment.
Manwook’s artistic philosophy extends beyond aesthetics. His practice draws parallels between artistic creation and ecological processes, emphasizing the need for disruption and regeneration. In works like No Rule: You Who Became Eyes and Wings, he plays with irregular shapes and textures, symbolizing the unpredictability of nature and its ability to reclaim space. This theme of nature’s resilience is further explored in installations that evoke the breaking of concrete to reveal fertile soil beneath.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist's instagram
The exhibition also raises profound questions about humanity’s place within the natural world. Through his art, Manwook addresses the ethical implications of human intervention in ecosystems and the potential for re-establishing balance. His works act as visual meditations on the idea of "rewilding humanity"—encouraging viewers to abandon their perceived dominance over nature and embrace their role as participants in a shared ecological system.
Visitors will encounter a range of works, including Different Directions of the Same Energy, a carved wood panel that evokes the interconnectedness of life, and Unreachable You with the Machine That Holds You, which critiques humanity's reliance on technology as a mediator in relationships with the natural world. These pieces, while diverse in medium and execution, are unified by their thematic focus on restoration and coexistence.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist's instagram
The exhibition also draws on broader philosophical and ecological ideas, connecting art with global conversations about sustainability and resilience. Manwook’s work serves as a call to action, encouraging audiences to rethink urban environments as spaces where nature can thrive alongside humanity. By envisioning a "rewilded" future, the exhibition transcends its physical boundaries, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
Through Rewilding Zone, Manwook demonstrates the power of art to inspire dialogue about humanity’s ecological responsibilities. The exhibition offers not just a visual experience but a contemplative journey, urging viewers to engage with the complexities of coexistence and the possibilities of a more harmonious relationship with the natural world.
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Hoard
