[Exhibition of the Week] Kim Siha Exhibition: My Burning Little Forest · 2022 Busan Biennale and More

Poster of Kim Siha's solo exhibition 'Burning My Little Forest'. Photo by Page Room 8

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] ▲Kim Siha Solo Exhibition 'Burning My Little Forest' = This exhibition, the sixth installment of the Page Room 8 project series 'This Work Series,' can be considered Act 1, Scene 2 if the artist's 2020 solo exhibition 'BURN' is regarded as Act 1, Scene 1.

The 'Burning My Little Forest' presented in this exhibition is composed of the five elements. The artist replaces the abstract aether, which Aristotle added to the classical four elements (water, fire, earth, air) that constitute the material world, with 'human.' Environmental pollution, climate change, and virus spread occurring worldwide have surpassed the level that individuals can merely observe, and human life is engulfed in a crisis where survival is threatened by disasters. As an artist, the creator draws the ongoing disasters into their personal space as well as artistic and aesthetic realms, expressing an ambivalent psychology toward crisis and utopia.

Having mainly showcased installation works in open outdoor spaces or venues with high ceilings, the artist introduces three-dimensional works and photography genres completed from a localized perspective in this exhibition. Regarding the submitted works, the artist explains, "These are works that reinterpret classical sculpture forms or modernize traditional techniques, focusing on the form and materiality of sculpture, which I have recently found interesting." The artist’s method of presenting an idealized ecosystem through images rather than three-dimensional or installation forms via photography is also noteworthy. The exhibition runs until October 2 at Page Room 8, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

2022 Busan Biennale: WE, ON THE RISING WAVE Official Poster.

▲2022 Busan Biennale: WE, ON THE RISING WAVE = The 2022 Busan Biennale reflects on the stories engraved and hidden within the history and urban structure changes of Busan since modern times, connecting these to global realities. Here, the wave symbolizes the people who have flowed into and receded from Busan over many years, representing the turbulent history and the interconnectedness with the world.

The wave also serves as a metaphor for propagation in the technological environment dominating our lives and encapsulates Busan’s rugged terrain made up of coastal hills. Being 'on the wave' reveals how each individual’s body is closely intertwined with this terrain and history, standing on shifting ground while envisioning the future.

The exhibition centers on migration, labor and women, urban ecosystems, technological change, and spatiality, referencing specific events and situations in Busan and simultaneously surveying related stories from other regions. The narratives of Busan’s back alleys connect, intersect, and repeat with those of global metropolises, proposing a perspective for all of us living different presents to view the world. Furthermore, it offers the audience an opportunity to explore ways for diverse individuals to firmly stand on the wave and live together amid changing environments. The exhibition runs until November 6 at Busan Museum of Modern Art and Busan Port Pier 1 area.

Small Ark, 2022, discarded cardboard boxes, metal materials, mechanical devices, electronic devices (CPU board, motor), 210 x 230 x 1272 cm. Photo by MMCA

▲MMCA Hyundai Series 2022: Choi Wooram - Small Ark = The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) presents 'MMCA Hyundai Series 2022: Choi Wooram - Small Ark' at the Seoul branch until February 26, 2023. This exhibition marks Choi Wooram’s return to the Seoul branch about ten years after his year-long 'On-site Production Installation Project' 'Opertus Lunula Umbra' at the 2013 opening. It is also his first solo exhibition at MMCA and his first in five years since his last solo show at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in 2017.

Since the early 1990s, Choi Wooram has created 'anima-machines'?mechanical life forms with movement and narrative?based on meticulous design. The artist crafts mechanical life forms that seem to breathe with detailed expression and adds stories to create a unique worldview. The notion that the essence of all living beings lies in movement and that human desires are concentrated within machine civilization driven by scientific and technological progress was the starting point for his kinetic works.

Through his works, the artist demonstrates that artificial mechanical mechanisms can evoke a complete beauty like living beings while simultaneously prompting reflection on the meaning of life and being alive. His perspective, focusing on human desires projected onto technological advancement and evolution, has expanded over the past 30 years to encompass social contexts, philosophy, religion, and questions about human existence and coexistence.

MMCA Hyundai Motor Series 2022: Choi Woo-ram - Small Ark Poster. Photo by MMCA

This exhibition transparently observes and offers comfort regarding our situation navigating the turbulent era of lost direction. It also sincerely encourages designing one’s own voyage and gradually moving forward for true coexistence. Notably, the artist integrates cutting-edge technology with everyday materials such as discarded cardboard boxes, straw, protective suit fabric, and parts from scrapped cars, symbolizing 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. Except for four works?'URC-1' (2014), 'URC-2' (2016), 'Shakra Lamp' (2013), and 'Hana' (2020)?the remaining 49 pieces are newly created for this exhibition. The exhibition runs until February 26, 2023, at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul branch.

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