DIALOGUE: I Am Because We Are

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in collaboration with the Korea Arts Management Service, proudly presents the fifth edition of the Special Exhibition of Outstanding Artists, as part of the “Grant for Artist Management” program. Curated by Hzone with artistic direction by Daehyung Lee, this exhibition will be held from August 16 to September 6, 2024, at Hwigyumjae, Seoul.

Titled DIALOGUE: I Am Because We Are, the exhibition seeks to expand the conceptual framework of “the other” to encompass humans, animals, plants, and immaterial entities. It offers an in-depth examination of existence within an interconnected ecosystem characterized by mutual dependency. The exhibition challenges anthropocentric paradigms, providing reflections on how diverse entities influence each other, coexist, and shape the significance of boundaries and relationships.

Featuring works by seven contemporary Korean artists—ByungHo Lee, Gyomyung Shin, Hyangro Yoon, Jeisung Oh,  Ram Han, Seok Hyun Han, and Seulki Ki—this exhibition highlights the complexity and beauty of the ecosystem we inhabit. Each artist brings a unique perspective and creative approach, contributing to a diverse array of ideas and expressions.

ByungHo Lee employs experimental methodologies to create dynamic sculptures that engage with themes of transformation and impermanence.  Gyomyung Shin examines how technology shapes relationships between humans, nature, and living organisms, revealing shifting hierarchies. Hyangro Yoon transforms canvases to expand images in dynamic ways, challenging traditional notions of painting.  Jeisung Oh explores innovative concepts and mediums to present new perspectives. Ram Han creates immersive installations and video works that blur the lines between reality and imagination, reflecting on memory’s interplay between the virtual and the real. Seok Hyun Han delves into the implications of standardizing plants and food on biodiversity and ecological balance through various mediums. Seulki Ki uses books, videos, and installations to explore body gestures and language, interrogating the nature of photographic representation and its relationship with memory and identity. 

The exhibition also includes interviews between seven globally renowned curators and the participating artists, generating critical texts for the exhibition publication. The participating curators are Jerome Neutres, Kay Watson (Serpentine Galleries), Nadine Henrich (House of Photography), Noam Segal (Guggenheim Museum), Vennes Cheng (M+ Museum), Virginia Moon (LACMA), and Yasmine Ostendorf (Greenart Lab Alliance). These dialogues offer valuable insights and perspectives, enriching the exhibition’s narrative and providing a deeper understanding of the featured works.

Daehyung Lee stated, “The exhibition, titled I Am Because We Are, borrows from the African Ubuntu philosophy, highlighting interconnectedness, community, and harmony. It underscores a critical juncture for humanity: the choice between constructing exclusive barriers or forging inclusive cultural bridges. As we confront rapid transformations—climate crisis, the rise of AI, resurgent nationalism, and a new Cold War centered on supply chains—the exhibition invites us to navigate these challenges to shape a more inclusive future.”

Further details can be found on the Korea Arts Management Service website and their official Instagram @koreaartfestival.