Sayart.net - Unveiling the Artistry of Three Korean Sculptors in Daegu′s ′Variation in Sculpture′ Exhibition

Three exceptionally talented Korean sculptors are currently crafting a distinctive and captivating realm of art right in the heart of Daegu, one of South Korea's major cities. Their creative endeavors are centered around the theme of "Variation in Sculpture," and this remarkable exhibition is being orchestrated by none other than 'SUSEONG ARTPIA,' a renowned art center nestled within the city of Daegu. 

▲ SUSEONG ARTPIA

Reflecting on the essence of this exhibition, 'SUSEONG ARTPIA' expressed, "In the realm of art, the medium of sculpture embarked on its journey with a strong emphasis on physical prowess and profound religious symbolism. It subsequently evolved into an art form characterized by simplicity, yet harboring an enigmatic depth. It's noteworthy that, unlike paintings, sculptures possess the unique advantage of being observable from a multitude of angles while also commanding physical space."

The visionary planner behind this exhibition envisions it as a golden opportunity for the audience to grasp the exceptional nature of sculpture within the realm of art. This exhibition serves as a meaningful juncture where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of why sculpture stands as a distinctive and profound form of artistic expression. Moreover, it's a rare occasion where the works of three distinguished and gifted Korean sculptors can be appreciated in an indoor setting, all in one place.

▲ Shin Han-Chul, Infinite Sphere, 2022, Courtesy of SUSEONG ARTPIA.

Shin Han-Chul, born in 1958, is a sculptor whose passion for his craft led him to major in sculpture at Seoul National University's College of Fine Arts and continue his studies at the same graduate school. He's an artist renowned for his unique approach, utilizing spheres to convey themes of proliferation, division, and diffusion in his creations. His material of choice is predominantly 'stainless steel,' which lends a distinct quality to his spherical works, reflecting like mirrors to reveal an array of fresh perspectives. These spheres contain smaller spheres interconnected in a continuous pattern, creating a mesmerizing illusion of infinite images within the larger sphere. This visual spectacle offers viewers a chance to explore multiple facets of the expanding universe, bridging the realms of reality and unreality. Furthermore, depending on the viewer's vantage point, the artwork metamorphoses into different images, presenting a dynamic and evolving experience that challenges perceptions.

▲ Choi Jeong-Yoon, The flesh of passage, salt, stainless steel, 320x600x600cm, 2013, Courtesy of Choi Jeong-Yoon.

Choi Jeong-Yoon, born in 1964, is another sculptor of note who delved into ceramics during his studies at Seoul National University's College of Fine Arts and pursued advanced studies at the same institution. His art serves as a symbolic representation of the might and potency inherent in ceramic and bronze swords. Through these evocative pieces, he delves into profound themes surrounding human desire and essence, provoking contemplation in the audience. More recently, he's embarked on a creative journey using 'salt,' historically associated with 'wealth' and power, along with 'thread,' intimately tied to life itself, as his primary materials. His works seamlessly merge the elements of flowers and swords, symbolizing the dualities of life's source and provide audiences with a harmonious interplay of tension and relaxation. Particularly striking is his ability to transform and elevate the intrinsic properties of materials into his work, a process that invites viewers to ponder deeply about human desires, essence, and the elusive nature of power and wealth.

▲ T-Yong Chung, Contatto(Pieve di Cadore), 2018, Printmaking on fabric, 160X106x230cm, Courtesy of SUSEONG ARTPIA.

T-Yong Chung, born in 1977, is a sculptor who graduated from the Department of Environmental Sculpture at the University of Seoul and pursued further studies in sculpture at the National Academy of Milan. His artistic journey has seen him residing in Italy for over two decades, where he's been gaining recognition in Europe for his remarkable ability to fuse Eastern and Western cultures and philosophies in his creations. His works exemplify a harmonious blend of Eastern emptiness and Western classical busts, a fusion that is masterfully achieved using a diverse range of materials. Throughout the creation process, he explores his unique artistic realm, allowing the fortuitous overlap of various materials to shape his vision. Drawing inspiration from his cultural encounters in a foreign land, he produces contemporary, aesthetically captivating, and classically artistic visual compositions.

This extraordinary exhibition will be on display until October 21th, offering art enthusiasts ample time to immerse themselves in the diverse and thought-provoking worlds of these three distinguished sculptors.

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