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Leave the gray of the city behind and step into a colorful world of Korean folktales at Genesis House in the Meatpacking District. The venue just launched its latest immersive installation, this one called CHROMA: Tales Between Hues.
The exhibition was inspired by the Obangsaek color spectrum, Korea's traditional palette representing the five cardinal directions, elements and cosmic balance—and it's an absolutely transfixing sight to see. The team at Genesis collaborated with actress and singer Ashley Park who brought her own Korean heritage and her passion for storytelling to the exhibition. See CHROMA: Tales Between Hues for free at Genesis House (40A 10th Ave. in the Meatpacking District) through December 14.
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The experience will walk you through six vivid worlds, beginning with a sandy path in dappled white light meant to evoke vulnerability and resilience. As you continue, you'll step into an area with logs and wheat to learn about a folktale telling the story of a woodcutter in the forest who was rewarded for his honesty. As the exhibition writes, "The decisions we make in silence, when no eyes are upon us, often speak more deeply about who we are than those made for the world to see."
Next, follow the birds mounted along the ceiling to a vibrant red-lit space as your explore the story of Cowherd and Weaver Girl—celestial lovers who reunite once a year reminding us of the power of love. Soon, you'll come to the show's grandest spectacle, an LED covered room where light dashes around from the floor to the ceiling in stunning designs. You'll see all the featured colors—blue, red, yellow, white and black—put on an enchanting show. While you'll certainly want to take some photos and videos, also take a moment away from your phone to immerse yourself in the relaxing, swirling colors.
Finally, exit through a room filled with crystal-like pieces undulating in an array of colors as you complete your emotional journey.
To create the experience, the Genesis House team asked the Korean American actress and singer to draw upon her own heritage to reflect on the emotions and associations she has with the colors of the Obangsaek. At a preview event, she called the experience "such a personal project" that's "really moving to me."
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"What I love so much about storytelling is it's really something that goes beyond words at times," Park told guests at the preview event. "I think something that we explored a lot with the Genesis House team is that emotion is a universal language, much like music."
Park brought "creative vision and passion for her heritage" to life in the exhibition, Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America said. Genesis is the luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Company, a South Korean company, and Genesis House offers a space to showcase the brand's innovation.
"Genesis House is a place where bring people from around the world to connect through cultural experiences," Mengiste told guests at the preview.
CHROMA: Tales Between Hues is now on view for free at Genesis House (40A 10th Ave. in the Meatpacking District) through December 14 with no reservations required. It's open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am-7pm. You can also make a reservation at Genesis House restaurant and visit the installation before or after your meal.