The exhibition "Eyes Reflecting The World: Works from Mr. Jinyoung Kim Collection" is currently on display at Newspring Project in Yongsan, Seoul, running until February 18. This unique showcase presents a curated collection of artworks, supposedly amassed by Jinyoung Kim, a fictional collector created by the exhibition’s organizers.

Rather than focusing on a real collector, the exhibition explores the concept of an ideal collection, where personal background, artistic preferences, and an individual’s worldview are deeply intertwined with the works they own. It examines how a collector’s identity and aesthetic philosophy shape the significance of their acquisitions, demonstrating that a collection becomes truly meaningful when it reflects a distinct and coherent personal taste.

To reinforce this concept, the exhibition space is designed to resemble the living quarters of Jinyoung Kim, emphasizing how art seamlessly integrates into everyday life. The first floor features areas representing a lounge, living room, and dining space, while the second floor recreates a bedroom and study. Visitors are invited to experience how art coexists with daily life, rather than existing solely within museum walls.

The collection spans various artistic periods and genres, offering a glimpse into how different artists have captured their perspectives of the world. It predominantly consists of contemporary international and Korean artworks, as well as vintage furniture, carefully curated to align with the collector’s values and inspirations. The works are categorized under three key themes: "Rediscovery of Value," "Inspiration from Work," and "Subverting Tradition."

Under "Rediscovery of Value," the exhibition features works by Kenneth Noland, Gabriel Orozco, Martin Boyce, and Ann Veronica Janssens, highlighting pieces that challenge conventional perceptions of artistic worth. "Inspiration from Work" includes artists such as Matthew Barney, Laurent Grasso, and Carsten Höller, showcasing pieces that explore themes of labor, process, and artistic creation. Lastly, "Subverting Tradition" presents works by Robert Therrien, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and John Armleder, which question and reinterpret established artistic and cultural norms.

By constructing a fictional collector’s narrative, "Eyes Reflecting The World" blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction, prompting visitors to reflect on the meaning of collecting itself. The exhibition reimagines the role of a collector not merely as a passive acquirer of art, but as someone who actively constructs a personal world through their acquisitions. Through its immersive approach, it challenges conventional ideas about how and why art is collected and displayed, offering a thought-provoking experience that bridges art, design, and personal identity.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com