In the Green Gallery, artist in residence Hyoseop Kim presents “8282”, a reflection on the similarities between imagination and reality, sports and life through a combination of new and recent work from his graduation show at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie.
The exhibition explores the evolving notion of materiality in social conflicts and compromises he encountered since he turned 30. In the beginning of his twenties he fantasized about his life at 30, imagining a secure life both emotionally and economically. However, at 30 he realizes that his reality does not match his previous imaginations. This also comes with a feeling of discomfort towards people who present themselves as young and self-made.
Life is about playing the game. Hyoseop explores the resemblance between playing sport and living life. A basketball player can play with the ball however he likes, however to score he has to play following certain rules. He needs to play the game.
Within the game metaphor, life can be perceived as a combination of free throws and alley-oops. Free-throws, unopposed throws awarded to a player after a foul from the opposing team, are the easy shots that seem to lead to people represented by the media as young and self-made. Alley-oops, a combination of passes between teammates that require teamwork, timing and coordination, are a flexible way to solve problems and reach concrete goals.
Internal struggles arise also from daily problems. As Hyoseop recalls: “Last year I was really into buying a pair of Nike White Air Force 1s, but I got distracted by my surroundings and by the conflict between the lack of interest I had at that point in my life and the fact that I am timid, and I was afraid of people’s judgement”.
‘8282’ refers to a ‘lost in translation’ feeling of the artist and his internal conflict between him and society’s expectations. Indeed when 8282 is read in Korean, it means ‘Faster! Faster!’, reflecting the fast rhythm of society nowadays and its expectations of fast success, while reality moves at a slower pace.
Runs from March 24th through May 22nd 2016.
Location: Green Gallery of WOW, first floor, open every day from 10 am until 6 pm. Free entry.
Concept and design: Hyoseop Kim, Michela Trovato Giancardillo and Boyon Kang
Artist’s website http://cargocollective.com/hyoseopkim
Hyoseop Kim will talk about his work and installation at WOW during WOW EXCHANGE #1, an artist talk and exchange of ideas between the artists in residence of WOW and the public. More information can be found here.