What does it mean to stand firmly on your own? Is it a reflection of your past? An action in search of tomorrow? Or is it your own determination to be your best self without holding yourself back with negative thoughts? The weight of ‘life’ itself always makes us hesitate. This hesitation leads to a blurry symbol of our true selves, and we continually fall back to our current place. What we eventually face every time is a silent shaking within an emptiness. Living life may be defined as a repetition of strengthening determination when faced with this unfamiliar anxiety. Exhibition: Brace Up consists of 8 young authors’ stories about standing up once again after going through this phase.

Main Artworks

Kim Rosa_37°34'30.2"N+126°58'36.5"E(2016.11.19.)_cotton (broad) cloth_LED Light_194×130cm_2017

Kim Jahyun_The rest of the scores, single channel image_dimension variable, 00:54:29_2017

Kim Jaeik_The way to brace up ver1_Single channel image and audio_180×320cm_2017

Na Hyojoo_April 16 , 2016 1_sanded photos_37.1×46.2cm_2016

Park Yoojin_Indelibly printed_oil on canvas_72.7×100cm_2016

Lim Hojung_untitled_oil on canvas_53×45.5cm_2017

Jung Eunjoo_untitled_mixed media on canvas_40.9×31.8cm_2017

Ji Won_사라지다살아나는살아나다사라지는_bleach, paper_dimension variable_2017

To artists, ‘life’s will,’ is the same as ‘art’s will.’ This is because art stems from the way we view the world, the types of relationships we have with others, and our awareness of the values we would like to pursue. This determination then becomes symbolized in artwork. The art pieces created by the 8 authors who are organizing this exhibition started with questions about their determination towards their art and art form, such as “Why can’t I stop being concerned over this?” and “Why are my artistic symbols heading in that direction?” Just like life is about having individuality, the way the artists approach these questions are individualistic and autonomous. However, this doesn’t mean that the way they approach this concern is an aesthetic consideration by separating themselves in a place that’s isolated from others, but rather consists of feeling their way forward within their relationships with others, being aware of themselves, and finding meaning in their art. 

As we follow these 8 artists’ processes of dealing with concerns of individuality and relationships with others, intervening, and reacting with the five senses, we also hope to stand up once again with them.  ■ Jina-Choi