Contemporary art of Southeast Asia showcased in Seoul

Contemporary photographs and media art from Southeast Asia are being showcased in Seoul, shedding light on the dynamic and vibrant cultural scenes in Southeast Asia.

The exhibition “ASEAN-Korea Contemporary Media Art Exhibition 2013” brings together some of the hottest contemporary artists in ASEAN countries. They are introducing their compelling works of art alongside the artwork of Korean artists.

The exhibition, in its fourth year, presents some 90 photographs and pieces of media art by 18 artists from 10 ASEAN member countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand, and five Korean artists, at the Seoul Citizens’ Hall from Tuesday to Dec. 13.

Under the title “Parallax: ASEAN Changing Landscapes and Wandering Stars,” the exhibition offer fresh insights into the fast-changing scenes of Southeast Asian countries, whose cultures are still largely defined in a traditional context.

“People still tend to interpret Southeast Asian countries through their heritage and tradition, but they are some of the fastest-changing places in the world and have vibrant cultures. The exhibition gives us new insights into these dynamic communities,” said Lee Aenah, deputy head of the culture and tourism unit of the ASEAN-Korea Center, the organizer of the exhibition.

Indonesian artist Krisna Murti’s photograph reveals the dynamism and ironies to be found in Indonesian society: in his photograph titled “De-Collection” the artist himself is dressed in traditional attire along with ridiculous-looking robotic parts.

Singaporean artist Tay Kay Chin, a photo journalist-turned-artist, creates panoramic images of ordinary scenes featuring unfamiliar features.

“The exhibition shows changing urban landscapes of Southeast Asia and the diverse psychological responses of its people, as well as the formation of a new identity amid this phenomenon,” said Shin Sue-jin, a photography professor from Yonsei University who is serving as the curator of the exhibition.

The exhibition runs from Dec. 3-13 at Seoul Citizens’ Hall, basement floor of the new Seoul City Hall. For more information, call (02) 2287-1135.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)