Resonance
: The Echoes of Bamboo Forest
2022 Installation l Digital Media & Mirror
In a meditative exploration of representation and reality, this media installation work flows vertically, evoking the image of a dense bamboo forest. The artwork sources its imagery from promotional phrases curated by Seoul's governmental agencies. This raises the question: Do these meticulously crafted messages genuinely capture the essence of Seoul, or are they mere illusions, veiling a deeper truth?
Historically, bamboo forests, referred to as the “Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove,” served as retreats for intellectuals escaping worldly concerns. Intriguingly, for today's 2030 generation, this term has taken on a metaphorical meaning, representing anonymous communities within organizations where individuals voice opinions and confessions.
The art draws inspiration from a tale of the 48th King of Silla, King Gyeongmun, who harbored the secret of possessing donkey ears. The lone keeper of this secret was the royal hat maker, who, burdened by this clandestine knowledge, eventually disclosed it within a bamboo grove. Much like the hat maker's whispered secret echoing through the bamboo, this artwork probes the chasm between public portrayal and inherent truth. It challenges viewers to uncover the authentic soul of Seoul amidst a sea of official narratives.