Choe U-ram (1970) is a Korean artist who has designed “anima-machines” that produce narratives and movements based on a sophisticated plan since the 1990s. He created a unique worldview by making lively anima-machines and adding some details with stories and myths.
His perspective, which focused on how humans’ desires are reflected in technological advancement and evolution, was expanded by questioning the meaning of human existence and symbiosis, covering social contexts, philosophy, and religion.
The exhibition MMCA Hyundai Motor Series 2022: Choe U-ram – Little Ark brings the questions inherent in his works to the fore by reconstructing the reality we face now through a performance. This exhibition provides an opportunity to scrutinize and question the things that have, for a long time, been taken for granted.
The artist said that he came up with “Ark” as the central theme and juxtaposed the contradictory desires that constitute the contemporary era, allowing the audience to ponder and raise questions about where we are ultimately destined.
The name of this work is Round Table and Black Birds. It consists of three birds levitating around the ceiling while looking down at a round table, watching ongoing struggles with curiosity. The round table is supported by 18 headless person-shaped straws. On the table, one round ball, which is the head the headless are struggling to get, rolls around.
If one of them tries to get up and get the head, the table gets lifted in the process, and the ball rolls further away. This work shows the paradoxical situation where despite the struggle for the ball, nobody gets it as it is pushed away. The work also portrays a situation where it is impossible to escape the fierce competition, even for those who do not desire anything.
One and Red are flowers offered by Choe U-ram in this pandemic era. One repeatedly blooms and falls, making a rustling sound. Its petals are made of Tyvek fiber, the same material that makes the protective suits that medical staff wore while working in Covid-19 treatment centers. Red represents the people stepping forward despite the pandemic. It also means the cycle of life.
Little Ark is a symbolic ark made of recycled cardboard and metallic materials. 35 pairs of oars begin their voyage by dancing like they are spreading their wings. This artwork, which shows the power and propulsion of sailing on the open sea, raises various questions.
What is this sailing’s motive? Where is the ark heading? Is there any exit? Will there be an end to the desire? Other artworks, such as Infinite space, Two Captains, and Angel, harmonize with the ark—symbolizing salvation—making audiences re-examine their desires and reflect on where humanity is heading.
URC-1 and URC-2 are massive star sculptures made of Hyundai Motor headlights and taillights taken from scrap cars. The white star, URC-1, is made of headlights, and the red star, URC-2, is made of taillights.
Through his artworks, Choe U-ram tells people to keep asking questions and seek answers to reach the fundamental value. He expects the audience to navigate individual universes. This exhibition, MMCA Hyundai Motor Series 2022: Choe U-ram – Little Ark, will be held until February 26, 2023, at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul. It will be a meaningful time, having opportunities to ponder where we are heading.
MMCA Hyundai Motor Series 2022: Choe U-ram – Little Ark
Location: MMCA Seoul, 30 Samcheong-ro (Sogyeok-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03062
Telephone: +82-2-3701-9500
Homepage: http://www.mmca.go.kr/eng
Lee Seung-hyun
nicole3212@uos.ac.kr