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Prehistoric People: A Ray of Sunshine

2021 Gangdong Light Festival – Production Journal

Exhibition Period: October 8 (Fri) – 31 (Sun), 2021
Location: Gangdong Prehistoric Heritage Park, Seoul
Festival Theme: The SUNSHINE



About the Festival

The 26th Gangdong Prehistoric Culture Festival, themed "Prehistoric People (선사인): A Ray of Sunshine", was held online in response to the pandemic. As part of the festival, a grand light installation exhibition took place at Gangdong Prehistoric Heritage Park near the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Site, one of Korea’s oldest Neolithic settlements.



The winning design from the official poster contest became the festival’s face, showcasing symbolic imagery and custom font design that vividly captured the theme of “선사인 (Prehistoric People)” and its English subtitle, The SUNSHINE. Among all cultural event posters, this one stood out for its powerful visual storytelling.



Concept: "A Ray of Sunshine"

“선사인 (Prehistoric People)” symbolizes warm-hearted people, much like rays of sunshine.

The exhibition draws inspiration from the phrase “a ray of sunshine”, visualizing it through a 10-meter-tall light sculpture. The piece reflects on human desire to control nature, expressed through the shifting depths of the sea—its mysterious, vibrant colors representing both awe and introspection.

This towering structure reminds us of a time when humans lived in harmony with nature. The warmth, hope, and abundance once found in ancient communities are conveyed through the symbolism of fish (abundance) and sunlight (healing), offering a message of collective resilience and recovery.



Installation Process: Artist’s Journal

"Can I really make a prehistoric human?"
That was the initial thought. And yet—we built it.
A towering 10-meter structure, assembled in layers: first the lower body with a crane, then the upper body. Each of the 15 layers was carefully joined with wires, which also support hanging fish-shaped lanterns.

After five days of intensive installation, the work finally stood tall. This wasn't just a sculpture—it became a monument to perseverance, built from the ground up during uncertain times.



Festival Highlights (Oct 8–10)

  • "Prehistoric Talk Show"

  • "The Wise Life of Prehistoric People" Online Program

  • "Prehistoric Concert" and Live Broadcasts

  • "Light Installation Exhibition: A Ray of Sunshine" (Oct 8–31)

  • Neolithic Archaeology Experience School

  • Online Completion Ceremony of the Heritage Pavilion

  • International Academic Conference on Prehistoric Seoul









Symbolism in the Work

  • Prehistoric People (선사인): Represents humanity's warm, communal past

  • Fish: A traditional symbol of prosperity and abundance

  • Sunlight & Layers of the Sea: Metaphors for hope, healing, and introspection

  • Light: A medium for conveying timeless human values—connection, resilience, and joy











Final Reflections

This light installation reminded us that even in a time of distance, light connects us. "선사인" is not just a celebration of the past—it’s a beacon of hope for the future. Through this project, we aimed to rekindle warmth, inspire togetherness, and shine a path forward through the collective memory of our shared humanity.

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