Byoungho Kim’s Solo Exhibition
Period | Oct. 10, 2013 (Thu) – Dec. 8 (Sun)
Location | Arario Gallery Cheonan
Works | Ten pieces including sculptures and installations
Opening | Oct. 10 (Thu) 5pm, Arario Gallery Cheonan
Arario Gallery Cheonan presents Byoungho Kim(b. 1974)’s solo exhibition from Oct. 10 to Dec. 8.
The title “Garden in the Garden” metaphorically implies the modulated environment we live in. Modules, originally a term used in architecture, refer to the basic index or unit used to divide space. However, the “units” here is more of a standard criteria based on the relational portions of each part of the structure rather than simple measurements. Nowadays, the concept of the module indicates standards by which a basic unit is determined in correlation with a certain proportion in designs or structures for architecture, furniture, industrial products, print, photograph print, or page layouts of books or magazines, in the foundation of which the overall order is established according to the resultant combination. In short, modules are independent but are also functional as parts within a given context. Modulation engendered values such as “economic,” “efficient” or “rational.” Modules, being complete as a part in itself and fully functional in various forms or roles based on its capacity to constitute the entire structure, are used in every walks of our contemporary life and society from material objects such as houses, design and publication to immaterial areas including systems, social structure, dreams and ideals. Especially, modules are widely used in studies that aim to rationally analyze and comprehend complex societies and make scientific approaches to unknown territories such as Nano technology.
Byoungho Kim’s work process in fact faithfully modulates how mankind living in the industrial society adapts the social norms and customs. Once the design stage is complete, he consigns the production of parts to several factories, assembles the parts and produces the end product. One piece of work usually consists of a combination of 3-5 modules; in certain works, over 6,000 modules are used. The process of manual assembly and its countless repetition is also part of the modulation procedure.
For instance, the “Garden” refers to the properties of public space in the urban areas. The artists selected colors most widely found in playgrounds or gardens, and painted them on 30츠long aluminum rods. Colorful rods, randomly selected and assembled together, imitate the look of a garden. In this public space, modulated like gardens that combine pre-mediated factors and pre-established designs, individuals are no longer independent but are merely one part of a hyper-modulated society. In the exhibition hall, comprising one large garden, the viewers will be looking at the works strolling among big and small pieces of works as if walking around a park. They will be experiencing a rhythmical trail of visual movement designed by the author, along the unique line that stretches on straight and linear.
Byoungho Kim has been building a unique profile with his modulated sculptures and installation since his debut in 1999, having passed through the industrialization process. Tens and hundreds of tubes, stretching out from the center point, show dynamic movement and cold materiality. The works, molded through a mass-production process based on the artist’s design, implies social systems such as customs and regulations.
Byoungho Kim graduated from Hong-ik University and Chung-ang University’s Graduate Program in New Media. He hosted solo exhibitions at Soma Art Gallery and Arario Gallery Seoul, respectively in 2010 and 2011, and participated in many group exhibitions including the 2012 Jing-an International Sculpture Biennale and Changwon Sculpture Biennale. His second solo exhibition, taking place at Arario Gallery this year, is a great opportunity to see his new works that go a step beyond from his earlier sound sculptures and move towards large installations.
