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By Windy Lee
Photo Credits: Windy Lee
The feature 'Into the Arts', presented by Mom & I under the theme 'Gallery Beyond the Gallery', offers readers a comprehensive look into museums and galleries. This section aims to provide diverse insights from the emergence of art to contemporary art, showcasing various artists' works, perspectives on art, and details on new exhibitions. Through Into the Arts, we hope our readers experience and appreciate a life imbued with art, ultimately nurturing a deeper understanding and love for art.
Recently, an intriguing book composed of writings and drawings by local elderly residents of a village caught my attention. The book contains rudimentary artwork and straightforward writing that, while lacking immediate intrigue or uniqueness, exudes a rare authenticity and emotional depth upon learning it represents the first attempt at expression by illiterate seniors learning to write. This realization enhances the book’s emotional resonance.
Art, in essence, enables individuals to visually communicate personal experiences and emotions that words alone cannot fully express. Communication and empathy between artists and the public come to the forefront of art today, especially in our rapidly evolving media landscape, where the visual representation of art grows increasingly prominent—echoing the rapid trends in Korean art exhibitions.
In Korea, a popular term among youth, 'Inssa' (meaning “insider”), has been formally recognized by the Korean dictionary. The term describes individuals who energetically engage in social events and blend well with others. On social media platforms like Instagram, 'Inssa' refers to the cultural phenomenon of documenting experiences through photos, a practice widely accepted as a fun trend for sharing sentiment and culture. With over a million posts tagged #인싸 (#Inssa), this trend has become a crucial marketing keyword across various fields, influencing even the art world.
While some critique this trend as detracting from the authenticity of art and reducing museums to mere photo zones, it also serves as an approachable entry point for those finding traditional art intimidating. Art institutions face the challenge of growing with their audience, adapting to this evolution.
Leading examples of this trend in South Korea include the Daelim Museum and its satellite, D Museum. Renowned for interactive art exhibitions, these institutions exhibit works by emerging artists such as Jaime Hayon and Fey Toogood—highlighted for their vibrant, immersive, and multisensory 3D forms paired with meaningful narratives.
Recognizing the museum's influence, luxury brand Gucci plans to launch a new exhibition <The Space, That Place: Heterotopia> in March, inviting international artists to create immersive installations inspired by myths and near-future fantasies. Similarly, <Sound Museum: Walking Through Time>, hosted until August 16 at D Museum, promises an expanded sensory experience, transforming the venue into a vast sound cube.
Alongside established museums, new exhibition spaces transform the works of established artists into experiential environments for visitors. Noteworthy venues include the K Museum of Contemporary Art in Apgujeong, the floating museum on the Han River, and the Seoul Wave Art Center. These spaces reimagine works like Calder’s mobiles and Escher’s mathematically inspired VR installations, creating multisensory experiences for visitors.
For those hesitant about traditional art exhibitions, a visit to these interactive museums could offer a refreshing perspective on art. With a charged phone, explore these museums and step into the world of modern art as an influential 'Inssa'—a trend leader who can share the enjoyment of art-filled days with friends and family alike.
