Mark Bradford's monumental artwork "Float" (2019/2025) creates a striking first impression at Seoul's Amorepacific Museum of Art, where vast strips of cloth undulate across the entire 600-square-meter gallery floor like waves frozen in time. This impressive installation serves as the opening piece for "Keep Walking," marking the acclaimed American artist's debut exhibition in South Korea.
Bradford, known for his unique approach to abstract art that remains deeply rooted in everyday experiences, draws inspiration from unexpected sources including hair salons, dramatic dance moves like the death drop, and natural disasters such as hurricanes. His artistic practice transforms these real-world elements into powerful abstract compositions that speak to both personal and collective experiences.
The "Keep Walking" exhibition represents a significant cultural milestone, introducing Korean audiences to Bradford's distinctive methodology of creating abstract art that maintains strong connections to social realities and lived experiences. His work demonstrates how contemporary abstraction can address complex themes while remaining accessible to viewers from diverse backgrounds.
The Amorepacific Museum of Art's presentation of Bradford's work highlights the growing international exchange in contemporary art, bringing one of America's most innovative artists to Korean audiences for the first time. The exhibition promises to offer visitors a comprehensive look at how Bradford seamlessly weaves together abstract artistic expression with tangible references to contemporary life and culture.