Koreana Museum of Art Hosts International Exhibition Addressing Modern 'Multi-Persona' Phenomenon

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The Koreana Museum of Art will hold an international curated exhibition titled "Set Your Profile," focusing on modern individuals' self-identity and the phenomenon of "multi-persona," from the 2nd to November 27th.

This exhibition explores contemporary people living in the era of multi-personas by creating virtual, distinct, and flexible selves called 'sub-characters' on online profiles, avatars, and social networking service (SNS) accounts. A total of nine artists, including Korean artists Kim Hyojae, Kim Heewook, Sun Woohoon, Ahn Gayoung, and international artists such as Lu Yang, Molly Soda, aaajiao, Laturbo Avedon, and Sondra Perry, participate.

Kim Hyojae and Molly Soda investigate issues of identity constructed through social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, exploring the phenomenon of performing and expressing self-identity online.

Kim Hyojae's 'Default'. (Photo by Koreana Museum of Art)

Ahn Gayoung and Sondra Perry address various identity conflicts arising through characters appearing in another virtual space, games, by means of role-playing and real-life cases, respectively.

Lu Yang created a genderless digital avatar called 'DOKU' through advanced technology and diverse collaborations. Laturbo Avedon, who has existed and been active as an online avatar for years, discusses virtual identity and data rights.

Aaajiao reveals the ways we, as users, relate to technology and the underlying aspects of this relationship. Kim Heewook visualizes the anxious psychology of modern people seeking validation of their identity through a virtual brand and persona called 'SOUL4ME.'

Interactive web page of Sunwoo Hoon's 'Welcome to Cube Room'. (Photo by Koreana Museum of Art)

Sun Woohoon newly presents the metaverse "Welcome to Cube Room," which functions as a mirror world for this exhibition, supported by the Koreana Museum of Art's production assistance. It is a game-style web platform designed for easy access and communication by anyone.

Oh Youngjin, adjunct professor at Hanyang University ERICA Creative Convergence Education Institute, commented, "Today, the issue of identity has reached a stage where the concept of self itself is questioned beyond the dichotomy of a singular self and a divided self," adding, "This exhibition is a kind of cyberpunk genre that contains artists' responses who interpret the crisis of identity as a new upheaval and strive to confront it."