Sea of Light: Geumcheon, Embraced by Light

Exhibition Period: September 1–15
Venue: Geumnarae Art Hall Gallery

The Sea of Light: Geumcheon, Embraced by Light exhibition was held from September 1st to 15th at the Geumnarae Art Hall Gallery. In addition to the visual exhibition, choreographers Kim So-yeon and Byun Hae-rim performed a contemporary dance piece within the exhibition space, expressing environmental concerns through body and movement.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was operated as a small-scale, reservation-only experience, with fewer than 10 adult participants per session. This inevitably limited broader participation, which was unfortunate given the richness of the program.

Exhibition Overview

In this Sea of Light, visitors are welcomed by cats, dogs, pigeons, and butterflies, who guide them gently into the exhibition space. Upon entering the main hall, one encounters thousands of shimmering fish, and iconic marine animals made from Hanji—including Korean sea lions (Gangchi), finless porpoises (Sanggwaeng-i), sea turtles, and manta rays. The centerpiece is a massive humpback whale, symbolizing a message of hope.

This unique exhibition was a multi-layered experience that brought together:

Light-based art inspired by the ocean
Contemporary dance performances within the gallery
Participatory workshops for visitors
Use of both indoor and outdoor spaces, expanding the interaction between artwork and environment

The show offered a diverse and interdisciplinary art experience that appealed to all ages, combining visual art, performance, and audience interaction in innovative ways.

Exhibition Purpose & Message

This project was conceived as a message of hope and healing for those weary from the prolonged pandemic. The exhibition drew inspiration from the resilience, vitality, and energy of the sea, transforming it into a tangible visual experience through 5,005 Hanji sea creature models, as well as 7 animal sculptures (cats, dogs, pigeons, and butterflies) that reflect everyday urban life.

Acknowledgments

A special thanks to Team Leader Yoo Ji-ae, who pushed forward with strong conviction even under difficult circumstances. And sincere appreciation to all the foundation members who made this happen. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t all see the live performances—but knowing the exhibition wrapped up successfully is comforting. The collaboration between visual art and live dance was indeed a beautiful and innovative touch.

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