Installation view of "Solid but Fluid" ©UARTSPACE
UARTSPACE leading new trends of contemporary art holds Hong Sungchul’s solo exhibition from November 21 to December 22, 2018. It’s been 7 years since the artist ran solo exhibitions in Korea as he has actively worked in London, New York, and other foreign cities. From this exhibition, he introduces the latest works as well as artworks which express the meaning of communication through the subject of ‘hands.’
Installation view of "Solid but Fluid" ©UARTSPACE
The object ‘hand’ often appears in the works of Hong Sungchul. In addition, the strings used in his works as materials act as symbolic medium to connect each other, and especially the layers of elastic strings represent lots of relationships we’ve made in our life. As the sum of strings gives birth to completion of an artwork, it also indicates an independent ego leading a life in relations with others.
Installation view of "Solid but Fluid" ©UARTSPACE
In the works of ‘String_hands_0718’ and ‘String_hands_5481’, two hands grasping behind the back look as if the person holds his hands tightly in order not to miss something, or forces his hands to touch although he doesn’t want it. Through the hands awkwardly shown on the back, the artist acknowledges the fact that the perfect relationship is impossible, which suggests we can finally put down the burden on our shoulders as we accept the absence and learn to communicate with ourselves.
Installation view of "Solid but Fluid" ©UARTSPACE
The artworks using materials such as cloths or a necklace of beads reveal complexity of relations in effective ways. White beads of ‘Strings_0473′ densely strung in a line never seem to break, yet the impression of being tangled bring a sense of discomfort to the viewers. The work ‘String_folds_ 6053’ made from the image of a crumpled cloth delivers a reality and a situation of men that are both solid but flexible.
Installation view of "Solid but Fluid" ©UARTSPACE
Due to the development of the internet and wireless communications, the modern society became the era that requires a life of mutual exchange in real time. We have to cut off connections with someone even though we share good fellowship, or keep the close-knit relations regardless of our personal feelings. Thus, leaving the importance of sincere relationships in the back, we perform a ‘false self’ with a mask on and live a life of another version of ‘myself.’
Installation view of "Solid but Fluid" ©UARTSPACE
Likewise, in a reality that is as solid as a rock and as fluid as waves, the artist perceives the fact that flawless relations are impossible and ask a question on the essence of communication under different circumstances. Furthermore, he delivers various ways to comprehend and expose a ‘true myself’ in unusual perspectives through his works of the exhibition.
