2024.07.29
INSPIRE debuts Korean contemporary art series with 'NEW STRUCTURE: PRISM'
By Pyo Kyung-min,
The Korea Times - Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort has unveiled its latest
cultural offering, an art exhibition titled "NEW STRUCTURE: PRISM,"
featuring works of Korean sculptor and installation artist Gwon O-sang.
Housed in the
integrated resort's Rotunda — a versatile circular hall known for its kinetic
chandelier — the "NEW STRUCTURE: PRISM" exhibition marks the
inaugural initiative of its "Inspire Art Series," a collaboration
between the resort and The Trinity Gallery to showcase Korean art and artists
to the global audience.
Gwon, the first
artist of the project, has received international acclaim for his unique
approach to sculpture, transforming two-dimensional photographs into
three-dimensional sculptures and installations.
The Rotunda, a
central feature of the resort, attracts visitors with its dynamic digital
chandelier and Gwon's artworks. The chandelier, which moves up and down,
projects changing imagery that enhances the environment. Gwon’s large-scale
photographic sculptures, which offer new interpretations of everyday objects,
further enrich this distinctive space by adding depth and dimension.
During an opening
reception for the exhibition at the Inspire Resort's Rotunda, Yeongjong Island,
Incheon, Thursday, Gwon graced the stage to express his gratitude in being able
to kickstart the resort's new art series.
"I am delighted
to hold the largest exhibition of 'New Structure' at Inspire. The Rotunda’s
circular space will allow visitors to fully appreciate the diverse facets of
'New Structure,' delivering new perspectives and meanings," Gwon said.
The exhibition
features seven of Gwon's large-scale works, including "New Structure 2
Shoes & Pineapple;" "New Structure 4 Prism & Macallan,"
commissioned by the whisky brand Macallan; and "New Structure 7 Star &
Spoon," which criticizes modern capitalism.
Other works include
"New Structure 14," reflecting contemporary imagery; "New
Structure 8 Black Bird & Crystal," the largest piece in the
exhibition; "New Structure 15," focusing on the physical properties
of sculptural materials; and "New Structure 6 Key & Blue,"
inspired by Gwon’s travels to Okinawa.
The Inspire, located
just 10 minutes from Incheon International Airport, is the first Asian outpost
for the American casino and gaming company Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment
(MGE). The resort offers a diverse range of artistic experiences, including the
digital street Aurora. Aurora has gained popularity for its display featuring a
giant pink whale swimming across a LED ceiling, which was shown in a Korea
tourism promotion video starring K-pop group NewJeans.
Michael Jensen, CMO
of Mohegan Inspire, highlighted the spatial relations between Gwon’s works and
the resort during the reception, saying the Rotunda's kinetic chandelier and
Gwon's dynamic sculptures "will create a unique and inspiring art experience."
"We aim to
awaken artistic inspiration and new senses in visitors through collaborations
with K-artists and diverse art content, from media art to contemporary
art," Jensen said.
Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/07/690_379496.html