A video still from Ayoung Kim's 'Delivery Dancer’s Sphere' single-channel video (2022). Photo: Handout
Malaysians are familiar with K-pop, K-dramas, and K-literature, especially after Korean author Han Kang recently won the Nobel Prize.
Now, Korean contemporary art is set to shine with the exhibition fffluid apparatus: At The Intersection Of The Human, The Natural, And The Machine, set to run from Oct 26 to Nov 3 at Rumah Tangsi, Jalan Tangsi, Taman Tasik Perdana in Kuala Lumpur.
This exhibition, initiated by the Asean-Korea Partnership Project for Innovative Culture (PIC), features experimental-minded artists and collaborations from South Korea and South-East Asia, including Ayoung Kim, Jinjoon Lee, Bagus Pandega, Candasuara and KAE, Chong Yan Chuah, Kamal Sabran, Lim Kok Yoong, Aw Boon Xin and Koh Kai Ting, Nawin Nuthong, Rosemainy Buang, Vacharanont Sinvaravatn, and Zai Tang.
"As an exhibition, fffluid apparatus thinks along different forms of intelligence and where they might meet, as we face present crises and future imaginaries. It provides a platform for diverse and exciting practices to come into conversation," outlines the exhibition notes.
Among the Korean highlights is award-winning artist Ayoung Kim, known for her work with video, VR, and game simulations. Jinjoon Lee, a new media artist and KAIST professor, also explores the intersection of nature and humanity.
Multimedia artist Aw Boon Xin, known for the provocative Kanci Terbang installation at GMBB in KL last month, is a rising Malaysian talent to watch. He also collaborated with Koh Tai Ting to revive a Batu Pahat alley using augmented reality for the Young Contemporaries 2023 competition by the National Art Gallery.
The Johor-based duo will showcase a series blending sculpture with augmented reality, while Ipoh-based Kamal Sabran, an experienced sonic explorer, revisits his Machine (not) Learning installation - a DIY extravaganza of circuit bending and modified electronics - first exhibited at Art Show 2022 at Ilham Gallery, KL.
From the region, Bagus Pandega, from Indonesia, creates installations that challenge conventional relationships between objects and viewers. Using devices, sound, light, movement, and natural elements like plants, he builds modular systems that explore technology's impact on daily life. Thailand's Nawin Nuthong, another name for your checklist, explores the links between history and cultural media through diverse mediums. Blending myths with pop culture from video games, comics, and film, he examines how technology reshapes our understanding of history.
The fffluid apparatus show, with accompanying activities and programmes, is curated by Malaysians Abdul Shakir, Beverly Yong, and Yap Sau Bin.
"This exhibition explores the intricate web of social, cultural, and computational systems, highlighting their evolving and adaptive nature. Join us in examining the fluid interconnectedness of our world and reflecting on the critical ecological and planetary issues at hand," says Yap.
"For 10 days, immerse yourself in a collection of artworks by international and local artists - both human and non-human - at the unique venue of Rumah Tangsi. Experience how art engages our senses, challenges our perspectives, and connects us to worlds within and beyond," he adds.
This Saturday (Oct 26), visitors can join the artists for an exhibition tour at 5pm, followed by an improv sound art performance by Kamal at 6.30pm. On Sunday at 11am, Aw and Koh will lead an AR workshop, featuring works from their Zoomorphism project (registration required).
Hosted by Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, fffluid apparatus is organised by KOFICE in collaboration with IndoArtNow, RogueArt, Filamen, and Multimedia University's Faculty of Creative Multimedia.
Admission is free, and the exhibition is open daily from noon to 8pm.
