For a long time, humans and nature have been viewed as separate and distinct entities. Dual Perspectives: Humanity & Nature offers an opportunity to challenge this divide and explore a fresh perspective. Showcasing the works of Korean artists living in France, this exhibition delves into the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.
Each artist, much like a member of an ecosystem, has developed their own artistic voice, shaped by unique experiences and sensitivities. Rather than merely blending Eastern and Western elements, their works create a new artistic language that emerges from the convergence of different cultures. This approach encourages us to rethink how we perceive the connection between nature and humanity.
Featuring 25 artists, from renowned figures such as LEE Ungno and KIM Tschang-Yeul to mid-career and emerging talents, this exhibition spans generations. Through diverse media and techniques, these artists invite us to see the familiar in a new light and explore the unfamiliar with fresh eyes.
More than just a showcase of artists transcending cultural boundaries, the exhibition reflects the multifaceted identities these artists have forged across different cultural contexts. Through a continuous dialogue between their origins and current environments, they communicate with us in a distinct artistic language shaped by this interaction.
Dual Perspectives: Humanity & Nature does not aim to present definitive solutions but rather serves as a platform for reflection and dialogue. By exploring the intricate relationships between humanity and nature through the medium of art, we hope that this exhibition will resonate with UNESCO’s mission to promote cultural understanding, foster dialogue, and emphasise the interdependence between humans and the natural world.
Part 1: Exploring Humanity Through Diverse Cultural Lenses
The first section of Dual Perspectives delves into the human experience as interpreted by five distinguished Korean artists: LEE Ungno, KWUN Sun-Cheol, KWON Ina, KWAK Soo Young, and PARK Soo Hwan. Each artist offers a unique portrayal of humanity, shaped by their distinct cultural backgrounds and personal perspectives. LEE Ungno’s abstract ink figures convey fluidity and transcendence, while KWUN Sun-Cheol explores the emotional depth of Korean identity. KWON Ina uses the concept of touch to examine human connection and empathy, while KWAK Soo Young’s minimalist approach emphasizes the purity of form and space. PARK Soo Hwan blends music and visual art to create an immersive sensory experience. Together, these artists invite viewers to reflect on the notions of 'homeland' and 'present time’, illustrating how Korean traditions and French influences intertwine to shape contemporary identity.
Part 2: Reimagining Nature – Perspectives of Contemporary Korean Artists
The second section shifts focus to the relationship between humanity and nature, showcasing diverse interpretations by contemporary Korean artists. KIM Tschang-Yeul’s iconic 'water droplets' symbolize the transient nature of existence, while LEE Bae’s charcoal works embody themes of renewal and the cyclical forces of life. LEE Young In and Demilé explore the parallels between humans and the natural world, while HONG Ilhwa and LEE Songhee celebrate its vitality and diversity. YOUN Hye Sung and JO Joowon capture the subtle beauty and enigmatic qualities of natural landscapes, and JUNG Dajung integrates nature into everyday scenes, highlighting its omnipresence in human life. This section presents a multifaceted view of nature, emphasizing its deep and intricate connection with human existence.
Part 3: Beyond Boundaries – Nature, Humanity, and Imagination in Contemporary Korean Art
The final section explores the intricate connections between humans, nature, and modern society. Artists such as CHAE Sungpil, JANG Kwang Bum, and YOON Miji delve into the elemental qualities of nature, offering a meditative exploration of its primal essence. Meanwhile, BAEK Seungsoo, MIN Jung Yeon, PARK Woo Jung, Camille MERCANDELLI-PARK, and LEE-PARK Eun Young turn inward, investigating the inner landscapes of identity and self. LEE Seunghwan, YUN Aiyoung, GHEEM Sookyoung, and KIM Jina examine the intersection of technology and nature, reflecting on humanity's evolving role within this interconnected relationship. This section encourages viewers to contemplate the transformative power of art in shaping societal values and addressing contemporary challenges.
Through these three interconnected segments, Dual Perspectives: Humanity & Nature offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolving dialogue between humanity, nature, and the broader cosmos, inviting audiences to appreciate the vital role of art in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
