These works of art could not have been presented at a better time in Seoul — amid all the political turmoil that is going on. Korean and American artist duo YHCHI have installed on the front and back of the building’s exterior, typographic posters that read (in Korean) ‘Politicians Who Dye Their Hair – What Are They Hiding?’ and ‘Samsung Means to Die’. Inside, the artists display assertive pieces telling satirical narratives that once again seem to comment on and relate to the current situation. Interestingly enough, this exhibition was planned in March of 2016, before the breakout of the corruption scandal. Director and curator of Art Sonje Center Kim Sun-jung explained that these pieces serve as artistic ‘video tutorials’ into understanding Korean society in three levels: family (All Unhappy Families Are Alike), economy (Samsung Means to Die) and lastly politics (Politicians Who Die Their Hair – What Are They Hiding?).
Until March 12th, Art Sonje Center is showcasing the animated texts created by YHCHI, or Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries, composed of Young-hae Chang and Marc Voge. Three floors of the art center will each present a single art work in both Korean and English, in addition to the two large posters displayed on the exterior wall of the center.
All three installations are projections of texts (with some graphics, as is the case with the second floor’s Samsung Means To Die). While they certainly remain as the focal point of the exhibition, music and its synchronization with the text serves as another element that captivates viewers with an almost hypnotizing effect. The fast-paced change of texts displayed on a haloed white screen (the room has no other light) may challenge your perception of reality and ability to comprehend/interpret the information. Intense, and rich in narrative, this YHCHI exhibition offers complex and engrossing visions and more importantly feelings of how life and society operate in Korea.