In the realm of Korean culture, the concept of “homesickness” carries a poignant nuance derived from the word “nostalgia,” intertwining wistful emotions with memories of a specific place. For individuals in the Korean diaspora, this term evokes a profound reflection on their connection to their ancestral roots, creating a dual identity that straddles both past and present realms and igniting contemplation about alternate realities.
Do Ho Suh, a versatile Korean artist, fearlessly blurs the boundaries between the feasible and the fantastical, embracing flights of fancy with unwavering sincerity and disregard for conventional norms. His artistic journey commenced during his tenure as a painting student at the Rhode Island School of Design in the 1990s, where he first began musing about the possibility of relocating architectural spaces from his family’s home in Seoul to new settings. Reflecting on this transformative period, he acknowledges, “For me, it was a monumental leap.”
Over the ensuing decades, Suh has garnered acclaim for his innovative sculptural representations of this seemingly unattainable notion. Through the ingenious use of lightweight translucent fabric, he meticulously recreates replicas of the dwellings he has inhabited, enabling them to be folded up and transported at his discretion.
At the heart of Suh’s current exhibition, “Speculations,” showcased at the Art Sonje Center in Seoul, lies the enigmatic juxtaposition of possibility and reality. While physical fabric homes may be absent from the exhibit, Suh unveils a captivating array of models that illuminate his creative process and conceptual evolution, delving into even more audacious ideas.
Through a series of maquettes and videos, Suh unveils a thought-provoking collection of living spaces that challenge traditional norms. From a traditional Korean house suspended mid-air between modern structures to a hotel room perched on a moving van, his provocative creations blur the line between architectural whimsy and practical application.
Suh’s methodology is marked by simultaneous exploration and innovation, with myriad projects unfolding in harmony. Amidst his creative endeavors, a recurring project involving a moving monument—an empty plinth carried by diminutive figures across a plaza—stands out as a testament to his unwavering commitment to realizing his visionary concepts.
While the realization of his speculative proposals remains an ongoing pursuit, Suh finds profound meaning in the research and development process, diving deep into collaborative endeavors with architects, biologists, and physicists to bring his ambitious concepts to life on paper.
In a symbolic gesture of interconnectedness between his past and present homes spanning Seoul, New York, and London, Suh’s hypothetical “Bridge Project” encapsulates his unyielding dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity and exploration. This visionary endeavor extends to conceptualizing a survival suit capable of withstanding extreme conditions, underscoring his relentless pursuit of innovation and discovery.
Amidst the seemingly whimsical nature of his speculations, Suh’s work carries an undercurrent of existential reflection and contemplation. His creative odyssey unfolds in a raw and vulnerable manner, with facsimiles of his intimate sketchbooks serving as a testament to his continuous practice and unwavering dedication to artistic expression.
As the “Speculations” exhibition unfolds at the Art Sonje Center, it invites audiences to embark on a journey of introspection, curiosity, and boundless imagination, urging viewers to ponder the limitless possibilities that lie beyond the confines of conventional reality. Through Suh’s visionary lens, the boundaries between the tangible and intangible blur, inviting contemplation on the essence of existence and the eternal quest for meaning and connection.
