Seoul City

When I see tourists passing through Seoul, I often wonder how my city, where I"ve lived my entire life, appears to them. What are their perceptions and impressions? How do they differ from my own? This piece titled "SEOUIUO35" (formed by symmetrically combining the elements of Seoul) imagines my hometown in Korea as a planet viewed from outer space. The planet SEOUIUO35 is composed of various natural and urban elements as well as traditional and contemporary characteristics that all hum harmoniously as one. It includes: the national flower, Mugunghwa, pine trees, Seoul"s architectural landmarks, and traditional Hanok houses. Each of these elements is portrayed with movement and small changes over time, aiming to express the vibrant, beautiful, and dynamic nature of the city as viewed from afar, from a strangers eyes. Existing in space, how would the planet SEOUIUO35 be perceived? Beautiful and splendid? Chaotic and disjointed? Unfamiliar and intimidating? I invite you to explore it on your own, from many perspectives, and hold on to the novelty each new emotion brings just as a tourist to my country might (or an extraterrestrial to Earth!)

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[Kyujin Cho]

The Unknown is a collection born from a deep curiosity about what, exactly, lurks in the deep. Over the course of evolution, some species have honed the art of attraction, like the flower. While others, like the elusive octopus, have perfected the art of concealment. Scientists estimate that there are over five million undiscovered species on Earth, but I have a feeling that the ones we dont see, dont want us to see them. With an insatiable wonder for these hidden inhabitants on our shared planet, The Unknown embarks on a journey to explore where these cryptic creatures lurk and what they might look like. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, my creations meld together various parts of living flora and fauna, such as flower petals, jellyfish heads, and translucent sea creatures. And although they may appear visually attractive (to us humans, at least), each component of my artwork serves a dual purpose- it must also be functional, each appendage a sharpened tool in the crucial fight for survival. (For instance, flowers petals on their bodies grant the ability to elude predators while simultaneously attracting a mate, or prey). Although the true appearance of these undiscovered creatures remains a mystery for now, they do allow us the opportunity to let our imagination roam free. They can be big or small, under our beds or from outer space, nobody knows. But as I craft each and every artwork, I humbly embrace the unknown, and hope by bringing them to life through my animation, I also bring them to life in your imagination, as well. There are still mysteries left in this vast world of ours, and I hope you have the chance to find joy in that.

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