[Rookies of 2014] Media artist Yang Min-ha draws on latest technologies

Media artist Yang Min-ha’s interactive media work was one of the well-received artworks at the inaugural exhibition of the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea.

His “Intervention, Misalignment,” on exhibit until Feb. 28 in Seoul, has been hailed as a fresh take on the existing media art form. His media installation, based on advanced technologies, not filmed images, set an example of the latest innovations in media art.

“Yang is emerging in the international media art scene with his technology-based artwork. His works are not based on scenes filmed by the artist, but incorporate state-of-the-art technologies such as computer software,” said MMCA director Chung Hyung-min, recommending the artist as the most anticipated young artist of 2014.

His work at MMCA features vertical lines, which he calls “layers,” projected onto a 7-meter structure attached to the wall as well as the floor. The vertical lines create ripples as viewers move around, inviting them to directly interact with the artwork.

“One of the most important factors in media art today is the interaction with the audience. Yang’s work is noteworthy because it both contains audience participation and the use of state-of-the-art media technologies,” Chung said.

Yang, 38, is one of the youngest and least-known artists among famous artists featured in the MMCA exhibition, and his work is displayed alongside that of acclaimed artists such as Suh Do Ho, Kishio Suga and Tacita Dean.

According to the artist’s note for the exhibition, Yang thinks “the best media product using advanced technologies is something that resembles nature.”

In his latest work for the MMCA inaugural exhibition, Yang explored the layers of history at the historic museum site. The MMCA Seoul branch is built on a Joseon-period Office of Royal Relatives site and is the location of the former Defense Security Command complex.

Yang, whose academic background is in design, won the excellence award given by the Asia Digital Art Award at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in 2004. His works were featured in Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul in 2012, Nam June Paik Art Center in 2011 and Gwangju International Design Biennale in 2005.

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