Seungah Lee

 

Arranging all the booths tightly would make it no different from a marketplace for buying and selling art. An art fair transforms into a vibrant festival that unites individuals as it communicates deep artistic inspiration and enduring values that surpass mere commercial transactions. This year, Kiaf ambitiously prepared the special exhibition ‘Kiaf onSITE’, curated by Seungah Lee, which goes beyond the traditional boundaries of the venue, creating a captivating and unique experience. ‘Kiaf onSITE’ is a special exhibition that showcases some of the most innovative artworks of the year. The theme for this year is ‘Invisible Transitions’. The exhibition delves into artworks that explore human attitudes toward and paths forward in embracing the rapid advancement of things like artificial intelligence (AI). We asked the curator about the structure and content of this special exhibition.

 

 

Please introduce yourself.

I am a curator working on a variety of projects that confront issues in urban society. My research is concentrated on the intersection of technology, society, and the arts, which encompasses technology-enabled digital arts and culture and forward-thinking arts ecosystem. Within my role, I actively engage in an array of events, including both domestic and international media art festivals, international exchange programs facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, studies at the Seoul Media Art Festival, and regional revitalization projects. Currently, I am the proprietor of ‘Urban Art Lab in Seoul’, where I engage in collaborations with both internal and external teams.

 

What message or experience do you intend to convey to the audience through this exhibition?

This exhibition examines the intricate connection between technology and art. Despite the longstanding coexistence of technology and art, the convergence of these two realms remains unfamiliar and complex due to technology’s rapid advancement. This exhibition aims to provide a unique insight into technology and art. We also seek to demonstrate the diverse outcomes that arise from different approaches to technology through the works of artists, each with their own distinct creativity. This exhibition features seven actively working artists and teams.

 

The exhibition spaces placed throughout the venue are impressive.

We made use of the narrow passageways between booths, the space above partition walls for ceiling installations, and even unused spaces like the emergency exit between Hall A and Hall B. In addition, we prepared a wearable performance piece by Kat Austen that conserves floor space. This approach facilitates a seamless integration between the flow of the entire and the special exhibition. Our goal is to create an environment where visitors can naturally stumble upon the artworks as they explore, enabling them to experience both the special exhibition and the vast collection of over 200 galleries at Kiaf SEOUL 2024.

 

What are the key characteristics to look out for?

The exhibition displays a captivating array of artwork, including Minha Yang’s AI installation suspended from the ceiling rigging points, JIN Dalle & PARK Woohyuk’s ephemeral 10-minute performance, and a wearable performance in collaboration with Kat Austen. These mesmerizing creations are designed to enrich media literacy—the ability to read and interpret media in the digital age. I hope this exhibition becomes a place where visitors can delve into the artists’ creative minds, exchange visions of the future, and foster a sense of empathy together.