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| ▲ Island (Sum), Short Film, Silent, 2022 ⓒ Elly Cho |
Elly Cho’s "Island (Sum)" will be featured at the 198th Annual Exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA). This 2-channel video piece from 2021 intricately depicts life on an island, using the island as both a physical place and a metaphor for life.
Inspired by the islands she has lived on—London, Manhattan, and Jeju Island—Cho uses dance as a means of communication and hope. The pandemic inspired her to create a piece that relates to the repetitive daily life cycle.
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| ▲ Island (Sum), Short Film, Silent, 2022 ⓒ Elly Cho |
The work presents the island as a cross-concept of reality and fantasy/paradise. Set on islands in three different countries, Cho's work narrates a journey of self-discovery, touching on themes of loneliness, isolation, and fantasy.
The island becomes a symbol of life and a journey, where Cho navigates paradoxical feelings of relief and discomfort. In the video, the dancer continuously searches for something, symbolizing the quest for tangible hope empowered by nature.
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| ▲ Island (Sum), Short Film, Silent, 2022 ⓒ Elly Cho |
The aesthetics of color in the film relate to the characters' attitudes towards the island. The costumes, in black and white, emphasize the emotional instability that follows the characters' emotional engagement.
The dancer's postures and movements with a sword depict the character's psychological state, reflecting repressed and unconscious inner conflicts caused by living on an island.
"Island (Sum)" has garnered numerous film awards, including Berlin Shorts and the Cannes World Film Festival among others, highlighting its profound impact and universal appeal.
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| ▲ Island (Sum), Short Film, Silent, 2022 ⓒ Elly Cho |
The RSA Annual Exhibition, convened by Wendy McMurdo RSA and assisted by Deputy Convenor Jude Barber RSA (Elect), continues the academy's tradition of promoting excellence in visual art in Scotland. The exhibition, the largest and longest-running of contemporary art in Scotland, has been a mainstay of the academy's calendar since its inception 198 years ago.
Over the years, the exhibition has evolved to provide a platform for Scottish art alongside international artists. It often includes topical or political elements, giving an uncensored, independent voice to artists.
Nearly all works in the exhibition are available for purchase, with the income raised directly assisting artists and supporting the RSA's not-for-profit work.
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| ▲ Island (Sum), Short Film, Silent, 2022 ⓒ Elly Cho |
The RSA exhibition runs from 11 May to 16 June 2024. Opening hours are from 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm-5pm on Sundays.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the rich, diverse, and thought-provoking artworks on display at the RSA Annual Exhibition. Elly Cho’s "Island (Sum)" promises to be a highlight.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
