Meme: Chang Kyum Kim, Mioon, Troika

About

Working predominantly in the field of video art and installations, the subject of Chang Kyum Kim’s work is often concerned with those living in contemporary Korean society. Kim’s work draws on a variety of themes, however the crux of his art has been faithful to the exploration of presenting the fake as real, and illusion as reality. Kim addresses the conceptual exploration of Meme in his Water Shadow Four Seasons 2 (2006 – 07) installation in which, by revealing what appears to be a traditional Asian stone water basin as a piece of sculpted polystyrene, Kim addresses the transience of the traditional meaning within Asia when purported into a differing cultural context.

Similarly, artist duo Mioon, comprised of Kim Min-Seon and Choi Mun-Seon, re-examine traditional Asian imagery within a deeply social setting. To develop and create art, Mioon coordinate their ideas through endless conversation and debate. This interest in interaction and language is extended to their work, which explores subjects concerning society and the communication between people. Mioon’s Statue Number series (2006 - ongoing), reflects the curatorial theme of Meme through its depiction of the back of forgotten public monuments in celebrated locations. As the video progresses it becomes clear that the statues are ‘breathing,’ and thus these statues are re-examined in a deeply social setting. The cross-cultural references and dialogue that characterise Mioon’s work directly probe Meme.

The artworks presented by Troika, respond to the exhibitions theme in a unique way. Troika advocates a cross-disciplinary and experimental approach to art, with a particular interest in perception and spatial experience. They aim to create connections between concepts that are often considered polar opposites, such as solitude and interaction, transition and permanence and the artificial and the natural. The artworks displayed at the dual exhibition invite the viewer to investigate the relationship between these seemingly conflicting ideas, and thus comment on the idea that what we see is merely a facet of reality, a means to better understand society and its connection to the world. A series of Light Drawings and Small Bangs by Troika will be displayed in the exhibition. The circular patterns of the Light Drawings are an abstract form created by electric currents on paper. Additionally Small Bangs, which is comprised of a series of ink drawings, reflect Meme as they question our understanding of what we perceive as real.

Chang Kyum Kim, Mioon and Troika explore Meme in distinctive methods and approaches. In a post-internet society in which technology mediates and articulates our lifestyles, these artists question and re-negotiate the concept of what actually exists. Infusing genres of video and technology, their works examine the transference of memory across this exhibition.