The Shape of Time: Korean Art after 1989 presents the work of twenty-five contemporary artists of Korean descent. Born between 1960 and 1986, they are among the last generation to witness South Korea’s authoritarian regime and the first to experience its new democratic freedoms from the late 1980s onward. -MIA
In this thoughtfully curated exhibit, artists capture the essence of a country that has modernized with lightning speed while enduring tremendous casualties brought on by the weight of its past. The Shape of Time reflects and captures not only Korean art but also opens a window into the collective soul of a nation. Korea still bears the painful legacy of overcoming a near-totalitarian era brought on by two military coups. At the same time, it relentlessly moves forward in pursuit of progress and prosperity after the devastation of colonization and war.
By cleverly weaving a moving historical narrative into a collection of world-class contemporary art, this special exhibition is more of an experience than an art show.
Today, Korea is a geopolitical and economic power and a leader in the global cultural conversation, from film to fashion, K-pop to cuisine. The Shape of Time reveals another side of modernization, one fraught with tension and anxiety while finding space for humor and hope.
Assembled by the curators at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the exhibit is currently on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA). It is one of those rare exhibits that delights both the art connoisseur and the everyman. Fly in if you must, but please go see this rare exhibit.
Here are 5 Reasons to Book a Flight to See This Amazing Show
- You will learn a lot about modern Korea. Through works of painting, photography, sculpture, and video, you will get a whole new perspective on how this complex society rose from the ashes of war to become what it is today. Modern Korea balances cutting-edge technology and, at times token, appreciation of progressive culture while holding fast to deep roots in the patriarchy and conservatism of a Confucian society. The artists chosen for this show capture both the rewards and collateral damage of rapid globalization. Bear witness to eerie portraits of those killed in the Gwangju massacre and sculptures of old Korean neighborhoods that were demolished to make room for high-rise apartments.
Installation view of Kim Juree’s Evanescent Landscape – Hwigyeong 2023, soil and water, dimensions variable. Photo courtesy of Best of Korea
2. You will see an incredible installation by world-renown artist Do Ho Suh. Suh’s majestic, larger-than-life “Some/One” is a giant, free-standing metal robe. Upon closer inspection, you see that the robe is actually made up of thousands of tiny military dog tags, symbolizing the individuals who sacrifice for the collective. Step in front of the robe and see a reflection of yourself via the mirrored interior.
Do Ho Suh, “Some/One”, 2001. Photo courtesy of Best of Korea
3. You will feel the terrifying tension that still exists between North and South Korea. Korea was divided in 1945, and then was ravaged by the Korean War that started in 1950. Although the conflict ended in an armistice, tensions between the two countries remain high. Artists reflect on South Korea’s past and present, exploring and questioning the very foundations on which their modern society was built. Take a seat and watch Hayoun Kwon’s surreal video of an imagined walk through the DMZ where the fauna and flora prosper in a lush landscape, despite the existence of more than 1 million landmines.
4. Explore how globalization challenges Korean society and identity. Conflicting with the collectivist ideals deeply rooted in Korean culture, modern society is constantly questioning the Confucian teachings that discourage individuality. Several works reference the interplay of disparate cultures and conflicting philosophies of South Korea and the Western world. Embodying these contradictions, check out the portrait series “The King”, paintings of Michael Jackson depicted in the style of royal Joseon court paintings. Mike Joo’s Buddha series is mesmerizing, and the celadon Nike sneaker by Yoo Eui-jeong is stunning.
A ceramic sneaker in traditional Korean celadon, Yoo Eui-jeong, “My AF-1” 2011. Photo courtesy of Best of Korea
5. Feel the anxiety of Korean young people growing up in a pressure cooker society. A study by the Korean Youth Policy Institute found that academic performance was the leading stressor in the lives of Korean youth, resulting in depression, anxiety, and high rates of suicide. In response, young South Koreans are embracing personal freedoms, non-binary identification, non-gendered societal roles, and non-conforming standards of beauty and love. Don’t miss “Left Face”, by Heinkuhn Oh, a photographic series that documents the anxiety on the faces of Korean youth.
