Gwon Osang’s ‘Sculptural Report’ Finds Home in Uncanny Delights

by

Summary

  • Gwon Osang: The Sculptural Report is now on view at the Arario Museum in Jeju through September 21.
  • The exhibition delves into Gwon’s practice and its evolutions, from his iconic “Deodorant Types”  to his most recent imaginations of classical artworks.

At the Arario Museum in Jeju, South Korea, an exhibition titled “The Sculptural Report” is being displayed. This extensive showcase features a wide range of pieces by multimedia artist Gwon Osang. The display spans from his initial photosculptures to his most recent creations, delving deeply into the artist’s continuous exploration and innovative techniques in sculpture. By following the artist’s relentless curiosity and talent for breaking artistic boundaries, the exhibition offers a captivating journey through the evolution of Gwon Osang’s sculptural work.

Initially captivating audiences with his 1998 creation, “Deodorant Types,” Gwon crafted his masterpieces using lifelike sculptures made from countless pictures of his loved ones. This artwork evoked the sensation of a simplified 3D model enveloped in the intricacy of photographic depictions. Immediately, it attracted recognition for its unique blend of eerie yet intriguing appeal – an essence that has remained a constant element in his artistic journey ever since.

In a subsequent phase, he broadened the collection to incorporate photos from editorial articles and classical themes in a fresh series called “The Flat.” These pieces, initially crafted from foam, subsequently transformed into painted bronze reproductions—retaining their photographic nature but boasting a more durable material. Immersed in an environment teeming with mass-produced visuals, this collection challenged consumerism by reimagining high-end ads as fleeting forms, subtly implying the rapid production of images and meaning.

Besides notable pieces from “Deodorant Types” and “The Flat”, key points from “The Sculptural Report” also feature “Hockney” (2013), a modern interpretation of a Henry Moore original infused with a Gwon Osang-inspired touch; and the acknowledgement of Korea’s sculpture heritage, as depicted in “Moon Shin Reflecting Gwon Osang’s Sculpture Studio” (2024).

Exploring the realms of objects and visuals, permanence and transience, “The Sculptural Report” encapsulates an artist in a state of change – someone who perceives sculpture not as rigid or stationary, but as an ongoing process of evolution.

Ararui Museum Tapdong Cinema
5F Exhibition Hall,
14 Tapdong-ro, Jeju-si

Read More

2025-05-28 01:26