The Moon
: Beyond Korean Ethos
2020 Installation l Digital Media & Water
As demonstrated by the seminal work, "Moon is the Oldest TV" by Nam June Paik, the moon occupies a transcendental space in Korean consciousness. It moves beyond mere celestial observation to embody profound metaphoric and spiritual values. Reflecting the sun's light without filter, the moon doesn't promote a binary opposition but rather a philosophy of coexistence and harmony—a beacon of wisdom in navigating life. Its soft glow, piercing through the cloak of night, intimately connects with the populace, illuminating the lives of those in the shadows.
Historically, the moon's attributes resonate closely with elements viewed as receptive or 'yin' in nature: water, earth, and femininity. Each symbolises cycles of regeneration and life—the rejuvenating moon, the life-giving water, the nurturing earth, and the child-bearing attributes of women. All are revered as icons of creation and vitality in Korean ethos.
Further deepening this bond, the ebb and flow of tides, a result of the moon's gravitational pull, creates a symphony. This isn't just a natural phenomenon; it transcends mere visual beauty. It is as if the universe itself breathes, the moon becoming an instrument relaying celestial harmonies, earthly rhythms, and the very pulse of space.