[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] Sculptor Song Pil is holding a solo exhibition at Hori Art Space in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Sculptor Song Pil has received great attention for his works inspired by the hardships of modern daily life and the weight of existence. The exhibition title, ‘Beyond the Withered,’ implies the infinite cycle of life. Literally, it refers to ‘beyond the withered or dried state.’ Ultimately, it means that the current withering is not the end, but beyond it, new hope will circulate.
To highlight the theme of the works, this exhibition prominently features bare trees (namok) and the bark of dead trees. The Cheongmaehwa (?梅花), a blue plum blossom that breaks through the dried bark to sprout new buds, commands respect with its elegance.
In front of his works, Song Pil said, "I want to convey stories that everyone can relate to. Although the form and materials of all the works differ, they all contain ‘stories of life.’ I have expressed the most universal stories of myself and those around me in the form of sculpture. Through my sculptures, I want to pose questions that touch on the weight of life and poignant beauty, the honest aspects of life. I always long to be remembered as an artist who offers genuine comfort and empathy, not falsehood, through my works."
As the artist said, the greatest charm of Song Pil’s works is their sincerity. He reflects the state of his unsettled mind as it is in his works. Therefore, looking at Song Pil’s works feels like reading an autobiographical essay.
The highlight of this exhibition is the nearly 7-meter large stainless steel tree suspended in the air, titled ‘Rooted in the Void.’ The delicate fine roots and branches, measuring 1 to 2 mm, are crafted through forging and welding techniques, creating a sense of wonder. Especially, the hundreds of large and small crystals hanging from the thin branch tips display a mysterious aura of colors according to the subtle flickering of light.
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