Value of an ‘Open Mind’ on display

“Apple-Love,” made of steel wire by Kim Byung-jin, is part of the “Open Mind” exhibit. Provided by Kotra

Many contemporary artists use ready-made objects ranging from nails to LED panels for their works. They carefully select the materials and often consistently rely on specific companies’ products.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Kotra) has paid attention to this trend and will hold a unique exhibition that features such artists’ works.

The show titled “Open Mind” starts today at the Open Gallery on the first floor of the Kotra’s headquarters in Yangjae-dong, southern Seoul. Kotra is a state-run company helping local small- and medium-sized businesses’ exports as well as foreign companies’ investments.

“Our main target audience is the executives and staff of Kotra’s clients,” explained Han Jemma, an artist and creative director of the exhibition. “Seeing the exhibits, they will recognize that their products, which seemed to have nothing do to with fine art, have some relation with art after all.”

“If it leads to the companies’ support for artists, that would be great,” she added. “But we have no intention of pressuring them. We only intend to lead them to feel closer to fine art.

The exhibition features 17 artists’ works including Kim Byung-jin’s sculptures made of steel wire and Hong Sang-sik’s painting-like works made of plastic straws.

Another exhibition featuring other artists who actively use manufactured objects for their works will be held as well, as this is a long-term project, Han said.

By Moon So-young [symoon@joongang.co.kr]

* The exhibition runs through Jan. 31. Admission is free. Go to Yangjae Citizen’s Forest station, Sinbundang Line, exit No. 3 and walk for 10 minutes. For more information, call (02) 3460-7114.