▲ The installation view of the exhibition courtesy of Johyun Gallery

Korean contemporary artist, Lee Bae holds a solo exhibition on view at the Wilmote Foundation from April 20th to November 24th, 2024 as an official Collateral Event of the 60th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia.

In the exhibition, the artist presents an homage to the Moon House Burning, a custom performed by residents of his hometown of Cheongdo every year during the Lunar New Year's Day. 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition courtesy of Johyun Gallery

The Moon House Burning is a custom of burning 'Moon House' made by stacking branches and straw beds, and it has been practiced for a long time to wish for a good harvest and good luck.

Before the opening of the Biennale, the artist transferred wishes from all over the world to traditional Korean paper and tied them to a 'Moon House' installed in Cheongdo on Feb. 24 and burned them together. 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition courtesy of Johyun Gallery

The video installation 'Burning' (2024), a video installation of the process, will be screened during the exhibition at the Wilmot Foundation in Venice.

The work, which uses seven beam projectors to project on the wall of the corridor leading to the exhibition space, introduces the traditional custom to the audience through sound and video. 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition courtesy of Johyun GalleryThe exhibition is an audience-participating exhibition that combines the customs of praying for blessings and a good harvest under the night sky and contemporary art.

the exhibition is under the theme of the connection of all things based on rich narratives such as the harmony of human culture and nature, the cycle of giants and emptiness, and the breathing and rhythm of nature.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com