Jangwoo You’s solo exhibition, Your Mind, currently displayed at Art Centre Art Moment in Seoul from September 28 to November 9, is a profound exploration of societal anxieties and individual desires. The exhibition features eight large-scale pieces that delve into the complexities of human emotions, particularly focusing on the themes of anxiety, fear, and desire as they relate to contemporary society’s obsession with material success and stability. Through this exhibition, You addresses the social and economic pressures that have created a pervasive sense of unease in modern-day South Korea.
At the heart of the exhibition is the idea that personal emotions are deeply intertwined with collective experiences, particularly within a capitalist framework. Jangwoo You interprets the widespread social anxiety in South Korea through metaphors like rocks and precarious objects, symbolizing the delicate balance individuals must maintain between personal well-being and societal expectations. This artistic exploration mirrors a broader conversation in contemporary society about the nature of success and the toll it takes on individuals.
One of the key elements of the exhibition is You’s critical perspective on the societal discourse surrounding wealth and success. South Korea, one of the world’s most advanced economies, has also experienced a dramatic rise in mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. According to recent statistics, depression rates in the country have surged by over 90% among those in their 20s, and anxiety disorders have seen an 86.8% increase in recent years. This sharp rise in mental health challenges correlates closely with the country's high levels of economic insecurity and social competition, especially among younger generations. In Your Mind, You addresses these societal issues, using his art to question the sustainability of the societal drive for material success.
Central to You’s narrative is the concept of "dopaming," a term that gained popularity in South Korea in 2024, combining the words dopamine (the brain’s reward chemical) and farming (the act of repetitively seeking out rewards, akin to gaming mechanics). This trend reflects the increasing tendency for individuals to seek temporary boosts of happiness through short-lived pleasures, often fueled by consumerism. You’s work critiques how these fleeting moments of gratification are symptomatic of a deeper, unresolved societal discontent. His art suggests that modern society’s pursuit of wealth, success, and happiness is driven by a deeper fear of failure and instability, leading to a cycle of anxiety that is difficult to escape.
In addition to societal critiques, Your Mind also explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in commodifying human emotions. Jangwoo You integrates AI into his work to reflect on how technology is being used to quantify human feelings and behaviors. By transforming abstract emotions into data points, he critiques the capitalist system's tendency to reduce complex emotional experiences to mere metrics. This analysis aligns with broader concerns in the digital age, where the lines between human emotions and technological manipulation are increasingly blurred. The exhibition invites viewers to question how much of their emotional lives are shaped by external influences, particularly those driven by economic and technological systems.
Furthermore, You’s work challenges the notion that economic success can lead to true happiness. His installations present a visual narrative where the desire for wealth and stability only deepens the feelings of fear and uncertainty. As he examines the interplay between individual and collective anxieties, You’s work highlights how societal pressures force individuals into a constant state of survival, where happiness becomes an elusive and fragile construct. This tension is most vividly portrayed through his visual metaphors, where objects seem to teeter on the edge of collapse, symbolizing the precariousness of modern life.
The exhibition also draws attention to the societal obsession with wealth accumulation, particularly in the context of South Korea’s economic history. Since the financial crises of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the country has seen a steady rise in economic inequality, contributing to a sense of disillusionment and instability among its population. Jangwoo You’s work reflects this historical context, offering a critique of how capitalist systems perpetuate cycles of anxiety, even as they promise wealth and stability.
Jangwoo’s exploration of the relationship between anxiety and happiness raises fundamental questions about the nature of fulfillment in a capitalist society. His art suggests that the pursuit of wealth and success may be a significant source of anxiety, rather than a path to true happiness. This theme resonates particularly strongly in the context of South Korea, where economic pressures have led to high rates of burnout, mental health issues, and even suicide. The country’s persistent ranking as the OECD nation with the highest suicide rate underscores the severity of these issues.
As Your Mind invites viewers to confront these difficult questions, it also challenges them to reflect on their relationship with happiness and success. The exhibition’s blend of technology, social critique, and emotional depth makes it a compelling and timely exploration of one of the most pressing issues facing contemporary society.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
