Space cube

Arts & Design

Published: 03 Jan. 2021, 16:58

Space cube

Kim Whanki's painting ″Universe″(1971) recreated as a cubic media art piece by Yiyun Kang, now on view outside the Lotte World Tower in eastern Seoul. [MOON SO-YOUNG]

"Universe," an abstract diptych painting by Korean modern art master Kim Whanki (1913-74), a source of inspiration not only for contemporary artists but also for K-pop musicians such as T.O.P of Big Bang and RM of BTS, was recreated as a cubic media art piece by contemporary artist Yiyun Kang, who is well known for her “Connect, BTS” art project in 2020.

The 10-minute media art work on the 6-meter (20-foot)-high cube, which combines the images of Kim's painting and Kang's interpretation, is on view outside the nation’s tallest skyscraper Lotte World Tower in eastern Seoul through Feb. 15, as part of the “Universe-Whanki 1-I-21 Lotte Media Project.” The project also includes an exhibition of another piece of media art by Kang, prints and goods designed based on Kim’s paintings, on the 6th floor of the Lotte Avenuel World Tower.

Like Kim’s other paintings created in the last five years of his so-called New York period (1963-74), “Universe” is filled with tens of thousands of round dots. The dots, reminiscent of sparkling stars, are rhythmically repeated, in two concentric circles, giving the impression of two galaxies and producing a sense of the sublime. The cubic media art piece by Kang reinforces the same sense.

BY MOON SO-YOUNG [symoon@joongang.co.kr]