National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, MMCA Hyundai Series 2022: Choi U-Ram Exhibition Opens

Artist Choi Wooram. Photo by Kim Sangtae. Photo courtesy of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art announced on the 7th that it will hold a solo exhibition of machine lifeform (anima-machine) artist Choi Uram at the Seoul branch from the 9th until February 26, 2023.

'MMCA Hyundai Series 2022: Choi Uram ? Small Ark' marks the artist's return to the Seoul branch about 10 years after presenting 'Opertus Lunula Umbra' as part of the 'On-site Production Installation Project' during the Seoul branch's opening in 2013. This exhibition is Choi's first solo exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, following his last solo show at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in 2017, marking a five-year interval.

Since the early 1990s, Choi has been creating 'machine lifeforms' with movement and narrative based on meticulous design. Through detailed expression, he has crafted machine lifeforms that seem to breathe and live, weaving stories to create a unique worldview.

Inspired by the idea that the essence of all living beings lies in movement and that human desires are concentrated within the machine civilization brought about by advances in science and technology, the artist conceived and presented kinetic works. His works demonstrate that artificial mechanical mechanisms can evoke a complete beauty like living beings, while simultaneously providing viewers with an opportunity to contemplate the meaning of life and being alive.

Small Ark, 2022, waste cardboard boxes, metal materials, mechanical devices, electronic devices (CPU board, motor), 210 x 230 x 1272 cm. Photo by National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

In this exhibition, the artist transparently observes and offers comfort regarding our situation as we navigate the turbulent era of disorientation, expressing sincere wishes for designing one’s own voyage and gradually moving forward toward true coexistence.

In particular, he fused cutting-edge technology with common everyday materials such as discarded cardboard boxes, straw, protective suit fabric, and parts from scrapped cars, implying hope for harmony and balance in life.

The exhibition features a total of 53 works across various genres, including 12 installations and sculptures, and 37 videos and drawings. Among them, 49 pieces, except for four, are new works created specifically for this exhibition.

The exhibition is held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul branch, in the Seoul Box, Exhibition Hall 5, and the corridors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.