South Korean artist Gwon Osang, born in 1974, has gained international recognition for his groundbreaking sculptures that merge elements of 2D and 3D art, creating a stunning fusion of photorealism and sculpture. By incorporating hundreds of photographic images onto lightweight life-sized mannequins, Gwon's work transcends traditional notions of sculpture, inviting viewers to question the relationship between reality and representation.
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| ▲ GWON OSANG, RECLINING FIGURE-WATCHES, 2022-2023
Archival pigment print, mixed media, 192 x 52 x 88(h) cm, Courtesy of Arario Gallery |
Gwon's sculptures, resembling mannequins, present a unique and almost surreal visual effect. Each sculpture is meticulously crafted by assembling numerous photographs, capturing various angles and perspectives of the subject. This technique not only highlights the intricate details achievable through photography, but also adds volume and form to the sculpture, blurring the boundaries between different artistic mediums.
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| ▲ ABSTRACT HEAD AA, 2022, Courtesy of Arario Gallery. |
At the core of Gwon Osang's artistic philosophy is the relentless pursuit of challenging conventional artistic categories. His innovative approach defies easy classification, fusing photography and sculpture in a harmonious union. The resulting pieces are captivating and thought-provoking, prompting contemplation about identity, perception, and the nature of representation itself.
Gwon's sculptures serve as a commentary on the fragmented nature of human identity. Through the intricate combination of hundreds of individual photographs, each representing a unique facet or moment in time, Gwon emphasizes the complexity inherent in our identities. Like the varied experiences and perspectives that shape a person, these photographs unite to form a coherent whole, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of human existence.
 |
| ▲ RECLINING FIGURE-WATCHES, 2022-2023, Archival pigment print, mixed media, 192 x 52 x 88(h) cm, Courtesy of Arario Gallery |
Furthermore, Gwon Osang's work blurs the line between reality and illusion. While his sculptures are composed of actual photographs, they transcend mere realism, presenting an uncanny distortion of the human form. The tension between the hyperreal and the surreal in his art deepens the complexity and intrigue, challenging viewers to explore the interplay of perception and truth.
Notably, Gwon incorporates elements of fashion and popular culture into his sculptures, reflecting the profound influence of mass media and consumer culture on contemporary identity. One of his notable series,
"Fashion into Art," showcases sculptures of models adorned in designer clothes, symbolizing the pervasive impact of consumerism on our lives.
Gwon Osang's artistic journey began with his education at Keimyung University and Seoul National University, where he obtained a BFA and an MFA in Sculpture, respectively. His career has been marked by numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in South Korea and internationally. Exhibitions such as
"Deodorant Type" at Manchester Art Gallery in 2008 and
"People" at Arario Gallery in Seoul in 2014 garnered significant attention
As Gwon continues to push the boundaries of art, his work serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to redefining traditional artistic forms. By challenging established norms and embracing new media, he offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between art and the human experience. Gwon Osang's thought-provoking sculptures invite audiences to delve into the complexities of identity and representation, blurring the lines between reality and artistry.
Sayart.net
Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
Challenging Tradition and Redefining Sculpture with Photorealistic Creations
South Korean artist Gwon Osang, born in 1974, has gained international recognition for his groundbreaking sculptures that merge elements of 2D and 3D art, creating a stunning fusion of photorealism and sculpture. By incorporating hundreds of photographic images onto lightweight life-sized mannequins, Gwon's work transcends traditional notions of sculpture, inviting viewers to question the relationship between reality and representation.
|
| ▲ GWON OSANG, RECLINING FIGURE-WATCHES, 2022-2023
Archival pigment print, mixed media, 192 x 52 x 88(h) cm, Courtesy of Arario Gallery |
Gwon's sculptures, resembling mannequins, present a unique and almost surreal visual effect. Each sculpture is meticulously crafted by assembling numerous photographs, capturing various angles and perspectives of the subject. This technique not only highlights the intricate details achievable through photography, but also adds volume and form to the sculpture, blurring the boundaries between different artistic mediums.
|
| ▲ ABSTRACT HEAD AA, 2022, Courtesy of Arario Gallery. |
At the core of Gwon Osang's artistic philosophy is the relentless pursuit of challenging conventional artistic categories. His innovative approach defies easy classification, fusing photography and sculpture in a harmonious union. The resulting pieces are captivating and thought-provoking, prompting contemplation about identity, perception, and the nature of representation itself.
Gwon's sculptures serve as a commentary on the fragmented nature of human identity. Through the intricate combination of hundreds of individual photographs, each representing a unique facet or moment in time, Gwon emphasizes the complexity inherent in our identities. Like the varied experiences and perspectives that shape a person, these photographs unite to form a coherent whole, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of human existence.
|
| ▲ RECLINING FIGURE-WATCHES, 2022-2023, Archival pigment print, mixed media, 192 x 52 x 88(h) cm, Courtesy of Arario Gallery |
Furthermore, Gwon Osang's work blurs the line between reality and illusion. While his sculptures are composed of actual photographs, they transcend mere realism, presenting an uncanny distortion of the human form. The tension between the hyperreal and the surreal in his art deepens the complexity and intrigue, challenging viewers to explore the interplay of perception and truth.
Notably, Gwon incorporates elements of fashion and popular culture into his sculptures, reflecting the profound influence of mass media and consumer culture on contemporary identity. One of his notable series,
"Fashion into Art," showcases sculptures of models adorned in designer clothes, symbolizing the pervasive impact of consumerism on our lives.
Gwon Osang's artistic journey began with his education at Keimyung University and Seoul National University, where he obtained a BFA and an MFA in Sculpture, respectively. His career has been marked by numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in South Korea and internationally. Exhibitions such as
"Deodorant Type" at Manchester Art Gallery in 2008 and
"People" at Arario Gallery in Seoul in 2014 garnered significant attention
As Gwon continues to push the boundaries of art, his work serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to redefining traditional artistic forms. By challenging established norms and embracing new media, he offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between art and the human experience. Gwon Osang's thought-provoking sculptures invite audiences to delve into the complexities of identity and representation, blurring the lines between reality and artistry.
Sayart.net
Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
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