Untitled 06
2017 Acrylic on Paper 60.96 x 45.72cm (24 x 18 inch)
Provenance
Artist Collection, 2026
Exhibitions
2024《Schematic Medium as Meta-Conceptualism》, A lounge, Seoul
About The Work
‘Semi-Circle & No.9’ Drawing Series
'Semi-Circle & No.9' drawing, an early work within the Schematic Medium, explores the potential and realistic limits of human existence through the repetitive use of semi-circle shapes and the number 9. This artwork delves into the my self-reflection, as well as broader human conditions.
The Essence of the Drawing
In this work, lines are not merely static elements but dynamic entities interacting with space. Lines extend from a center, evoking separation, and gracefully curve, inviting viewers to follow their path. Boldly protruding into space, these lines challenge traditional boundaries, playing a crucial role in visualizing human experiences and emotions.
Lines serve as explorers and definers of form during geometric transformations. With volume, lines compress or expand, layering to create shape. They twist, graft, and intersect with other lines to form complex structures. Such interactions are essential in exploring the relationship between the internal and external aspects of human existence. This manipulation of lines continues to be a subject of inquiry in contemporary art, with each artist interpreting lines through their unique perspectives.
Performativity and Repetition
In 'Semi-Circle & No.9,' the semi-circle shape expresses human incompleteness and limitations. While a circle symbolizes perfection, infinity, and wholeness—representing an eternal loop without beginning or end—a semi-circle, as part of this perfect shape, denotes an unfinished state, symbolizing human limitations and imperfections. This suggests that we cannot achieve the perfection found in nature and the cosmos.
Furthermore, the number 9 holds significant symbolic meanings across various cultures. As the largest single-digit number, 9 represents the highest limit achievable by humans, symbolizing a stage just before completeness, reflecting human limitations and finitude. For instance, in ancient China, 9 was considered a celestial number, representing the final step before reaching a state of utmost perfection.
Through 'Semi-Circle & No.9,' I explore the potential and limits of human existence, reminding us of our imperfect state in contrast to the perfection of nature and the cosmos. By emphasizing the processes of performance and practice, I turn the artwork into more than a visual representation, imbuing it with profound philosophical significance.
‘Semi-Circle & No.9’ Drawing Series
수행성과 반복의 미학
