British Artist Returns to Busan with OP.VR@Kukje/F1963.BUSAN Exhibition

Provided by Kukjegallery

 

British contemporary artist Julian Opie's solo exhibition OP.VR@Kukje/F1963.BUSAN was held at Kukje Gallery Busan and F1963 Sukcheon Hall. The showcase, which was held from May 3rd to July 2nd, 2023, is a much-anticipated showcase celebrating Opie's return to Busan after his successful solo exhibition at F1963 in 2018. Through paintings, sculptures, mosaics, films, virtual reality (VR) experiences and live-action performances, the exhibition provides a comprehensive look at Opie's diverse work and ongoing interest in digital media and technology. 

▲ Provided by KukjegalleryIn OP's fifth exhibition at Kukje Gallery, LED works are prominently displayed along with sound, highlighting the moment of dancing people. To broaden her exploration of 'walkers' and their movements, the artist explored social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, where she discovered the enchanting 'shuffle dance'. Fascinated by the explosive energy and repetitive yet dynamic movements, Opie choreographed various choreographies with his daughter, a professional dancer, and translated them into animated images. Sound is an integral part of the piece, as Opie has carefully crafted a multi-layered score that harmoniously combines rhythm and liveliness with the movement depicted.

Opie's exhibition unveils a fascinating extension of these animations, translating selected still images into paintings and stone mosaics. The juxtaposition between the solidity of the stone used in the mosaic and the fluid curves of the human body enriches Opie's visual language. The artist recognizes the distinct historical context of mosaics and LED screens, but emphasizes their commonality as mediums composed of “units” (small stone tiles and pixels, respectively) that collectively form an image. Through an ongoing search for materials, Opie continues to experiment with expression, drawing inspiration from timeless visual languages and techniques. 

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