“With the Voice of Wildflowers, She Asks What It Means to Be Human”
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Artist Choi Jae-eun’s solo exhibition “Promise” at Seoul Museum of Art gathers 40 years of sculpture and installation work that reflects on human origins, ecological responsibility, and coexistence with nature. Central works include a large sculpture titled “Lucy” (2007) that probes the question of where humanity began, and a video installation tracking real-time sea-surface temperatures and coral bleaching. A long display of over 560 pressed wild plants—collected and dried by the Kyoto-based artist during daily walks—offers each species’ “confession”: birthplace, traditional uses, and ecological contributions. Choi highlights the ecological value of overlooked plants and criticizes human indifference, calling for ethical responsibility toward life. The artist has also focused for a decade on the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) as an unintended wildlife refuge, pursuing a “seed ball” project to restore its ecosystem by using drones to sow seeds where mines prevent human access. Choi says art should move beyond creating beauty to prompt action. The exhibition runs through April 5.
