LUX: Poetic Resolution

SUUM X is pleased to present LUX: Poetic Resolution, a major new exhibition of contemporary new media art. Following the successful large-scale media installation exhibition LUX: New Wave of Contemporary Art in London (2021), the second edition LUX: Poetic Resolution is held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a modern cultural complex, designed by globally renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

LUX: Poetic Resolution is the second iteration of the LUX exhibition, and introduces seven newly invited artists along with five major artists from the London exhibition. The show features 16 large-scale installations by 12 leading international contemporary artists and collectives, including global superstars alongside a diverse selection of practitioners who are working at the forefront of 21st century contemporary new media art, many presenting work in Korea for the first time.

Full list of exhibiting artists: Adrien M & Claire B, Je Baak, DRIFT, fuse*, Julianknxx, Krista Kim, Marshmallow Laser Feast, Carsten Nicolai, Pipilotti Rist, Universal Everything, Cao Yuxi, Maxim Zhestkov.

These artists’ work deploys the latest audio-visual technologies, and focuses on the resolution of light and the frequency of sound as artistic mediums. Individually and collectively, these works provide an opportunity for transformative experiences that can alter our perception of what constitutes the natural and digital realms in an increasingly blurred reality, and push the boundaries between contemporary and future artistic practice. 

LUX is taken from the Latin for “light”, and this is an exhibition about light and perception; an exploration of what happens when light becomes the primary subject matter of art, graduating from being a “facilitator” of our sight, to the main protagonist. LUX: Poetic Resolution is an exhibition about the latest audio-visual technologies, and focuses on the resolution of light and the frequency of sound as artistic mediums. Individually and collectively, these works provide an opportunity for transformative experiences that can alter our perception of what constitutes the natural and digital realms in an increasingly blurred reality, and push the boundaries between contemporary and future artistic practice.

The artists in LUX: Poetic Resolution are expert manipulators of light; they challenge our constructed categories between the natural and the artificial, the arts and sciences, the physical and the digital, between humanity and technology and open up new ways to perceive our place in the world. In its exploration of the poetic notions of light and sound, and the material expression of artworks, this exhibition demonstrates that light has moved from facilitator to being an established artistic medium.

Jiyoon Lee, Director of SUUM says: “This exhibition presents the current manifestation of contemporary technology-based art, introducing a range of artworks by artists who have expanded the genre of art by experimenting with emerging technologies as an important medium over the past 30 years. The term ‘Media Art’ is used frequently to describe many different art movements and I wanted to show the audience ‘Technological Poetry’ where you can find the differences between and borders of resolution and frequency. In a fast-paced world, the exhibition invites you to embark on a journey of introspection, contemplation and encounters with artistic creations that transcend boundaries of tradition and convention.”

LUX: Poetic Resolution runs until December 31, 2023. Tickets here.

About SUUM Project and SUUM X 
SUUM X is an exhibition platform founded by SUUM Project, an internationally focused contemporary art curating office started in London in 2003. Meaning “breath” or “vitality” in Korean, SUUM champions contemporary art, using creativity and innovation to communicate with wider cultural audiences, and striving to bridge the Asian and European contemporary art worlds. Over the past 18 years, SUUM has organized more than 100 global contemporary art exhibitions in the world’s leading art museums and biennales, and advises many corporate supporters of the arts. SUUM Founding Director Dr. Jiyoon Lee is a curator and art historian. She has curated more than 100 exhibitions throughout the world and she has worked as Director of MMCA Seoul.