Yesterday I visited the Ikon Gallery to seek some inspiration for my dissertation research. The gallery is situated in Brindley Place in Birmingham which is a really lovely area by the canal with lot's of restaurants and bars, well worth a visit if you're in Birmingham! At the gallery I viewed an exhibition by contemporary Korean artist Lee Bul.
Lee Bul was born under the military dictatorship in South Korea in 1964. After graduating in sculpture in the late 1980’s Bul’s work became preoccupied with politics. The exhibition at the Ikon Gallery is the first UK solo show by Lee Bul and showcased items including early drawings, studies, sculptures and installations. Bul’s work has been described as ‘visually compelling’ which has led to her becoming one of the most important artists of her generation.
After studying History of Art at A Level it really opened up my views on art and I've continued to be really interested in art. At the exhibition the first sculpture I came across was suspended like a chandelier, evoking castle like structures in the air. The sculpture is made up of tiny crystal beads, mirrors and chains and was captivating. The sculptures reflect utopian architecture alongside images of totalitarianism from Bul’s early experiences growing up in South Korea.
Via Negativa (2012) is one of Bul’s most outstanding works. A mirrored walk-in maze it is a full-scale installation which takes up a whole room. I found myself wandering into the maze which can only be described as a confusing labrinyth. The installation is an immersive amalgamation of two way mirrors, metals and LED lighting. The maze disorientates and forces the viewer into direct conflict with their own perspectives. I thought it was great to have such an interactive piece within the exhibition for the viewer to engage with and immerse themselves in.
The last part of the exhibition was a futuristic tunnel which seemed endless. It was made up of a two way mirror and lighting which made it seem totally endless. Through the exhibition Bul wanted viewers to feel a sense of self reflection. Throughout the exhibition I was totally captured within the immersive surreal experience and I'd definitely recommend a trip to the Ikon Gallery if you're ever in Birmingham.
All photos own images.
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