The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is launching an innovative exhibition that bridges the gap between digital creativity and physical art spaces. Opening Friday, the exhibition features the work of genre-defying artist TZUSOO, who is bringing her complex digital universe into the real world through an impressive transformation of the museum's central Seoul Box exhibition space.

This groundbreaking showcase marks the debut of MMCA's ambitious new annual initiative called "MMCA X LG OLED," a strategic collaboration designed to push the boundaries of how contemporary art and cutting-edge technology can work together to create new forms of visual expression. TZUSOO has the honor of being the first artist selected for this pioneering program.

The exhibition, titled "Agarmon Encyclopedia: Leaked Edition," delves deep into universal themes that resonate with modern audiences: the complexity of life, the nature of human desire, and the concept of endless cycles that define our existence. These profound subjects are explored through TZUSOO's unique artistic lens, which combines traditional artistic techniques with innovative digital technology.

During a press conference held Thursday at MMCA's Seoul branch, exhibition curator Park Deok-sun provided insight into why TZUSOO was chosen to inaugurate this significant collaboration. The curator praised the artist's "acute sensitivity to the digital native generation and contemporary gender issues," highlighting her exceptional "originality, critical perspectives and sincere attitude towards her works." These qualities make TZUSOO an ideal artist to explore the intersection of technology and human experience.

Park Deok-sun revealed a deeply personal aspect of TZUSOO's artistic journey, explaining that "the artist has long held a desire to become a mother, a feeling that often conflicts with her identity as an artist and her everyday life." This internal struggle becomes a central theme in her work, as "through the process of creating and caring for her own avatar and 'Agarmon,' she explores themes of sexuality and gender in her work."

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a fascinating living sculpture called "Agarmon 5," which occupies the heart of the Seoul Box space. This fifth edition of the "Agarmon" series represents a truly unique artistic creation - a living sculpture made from agar and moss that exists in a specially designed incubator environment. What makes this piece particularly captivating is its responsive nature: the entity actually grows and changes in response to its surrounding environment, sustained by a carefully controlled system that provides steady drops of water from above to keep it properly moisturized.

Complementing this central living sculpture are two large-scale video installations that showcase TZUSOO's mastery of digital art. These pieces, titled "The Eight Spirits of Flesh -- TAE" and "The Eight Spirits of Flesh -- GAN," transport viewers into an otherworldly digital realm populated by alien-like creatures that soar through virtual landscapes. These mesmerizing video works serve as vehicles for the artist's ongoing discourse on sexuality and desire, themes that permeate throughout her artistic practice.

The technical achievement of this exhibition is remarkable in its own right. The video installations are displayed across an unprecedented 88 55-inch LG OLED screens, representing the largest number of screens ever used for a single artistic purpose, according to MMCA officials. This massive display creates an immersive environment that envelops viewers in TZUSOO's digital universe, blurring the lines between reality and virtual experience.

For TZUSOO, having an exhibition at MMCA represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. The artist expressed her excitement, describing the opportunity as "a dream come true" and revealing that the museum has been like "Disneyland" to her since childhood. This personal connection to the institution adds another layer of meaning to the exhibition.

Beyond her personal excitement about the exhibition, TZUSOO shared her broader vision for art institutions. She noted her long-held desire for art museums to dedicate more space to exploring maternal desire and sexuality, subjects she considers fundamental aspects of human nature that deserve serious artistic examination and public discourse.

TZUSOO's background reflects her international perspective and diverse artistic training. Born in Seoul in 1992, she initially focused on printmaking and art studies at Seoul's prestigious Hongik University. Her artistic journey then took her to Germany, where she received a diploma from the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design. She currently serves as an instructor at the German institution, bringing her unique perspective to a new generation of artists.

The collaborative nature of the "MMCA X LG OLED" program is notable for its flexibility and artist-centered approach. MMCA officials emphasized that there are no rigid rules dictating how artists must utilize LG's technology in their work. Instead, selected artists are given access to LG's state-of-the-art technology and the freedom to incorporate it wherever they see fit within their artistic vision. This approach ensures that technology serves the art, rather than constraining it.

This exhibition represents more than just a showcase of digital art; it embodies a new model for how cultural institutions can embrace technological innovation while maintaining their commitment to artistic excellence and meaningful cultural dialogue. The partnership between MMCA and LG demonstrates how corporate collaboration can enhance rather than compromise artistic integrity.

The exhibition will remain on display at MMCA's Seoul gallery through February 1, giving visitors ample opportunity to experience TZUSOO's unique blend of digital innovation and traditional artistic themes. This extended run allows for the living sculpture element to evolve and change over time, making each visit potentially offer a different experience as the "Agarmon 5" responds to its environment and continues its growth cycle.

This inaugural exhibition of the "MMCA X LG OLED" series sets a high standard for future collaborations, promising to continue exploring how contemporary art can evolve and expand through thoughtful integration with advanced technology while addressing the most fundamental aspects of human experience.