[Gallery Walk] Birds Fly, Fish Swim, and Humans Run

‘Running: Birds Fly, Fish Swim, Humans Run’ Exhibition
Until July 28, Complex Cultural Space Picnic

"Birds fly, fish swim, and humans run."

Recording runner time for 'Art Project Bora'.
[Photo by Picnic]

The words of Emil Z?topek, the "Human Locomotive" and the only athlete in Olympic history to win the long-distance track triple crown (5000m, 10,000m, marathon), make us contemplate running as a way of survival.

An exhibition titled after his famous quote is being held. As the title suggests, it is an exhibition that redefines the meaning and charm of running. Picnic, a complex cultural space located on Toegye-ro in Jung-gu, Seoul, is presenting "Running: Birds Fly, Fish Swim, and Humans Run" until July 28.

Picnic introduced this exhibition, held in the first half of 2024 amid rising enthusiasm for sports ahead of the Paris Olympics, as an exploration of the relationship between modern people and running through various contemporary artworks, literature, and video materials.

The exhibition is organized into four themes: ‘Body,’ ‘Runners,’ ‘Practice and Training,’ and ‘Starting Line.’

'Humans Have Evolved to Run Exhibition View' Exhibition View.
[Photo by Picnic]

First, the exhibition highlights the vast body of work by sculptor Lee Hyung-gu, who approaches the human body anatomically; the Berlin architectural group Plastique Fantastique, which transforms urban aesthetics with eye-catching speculative architecture; Swiss installation artist Zimoun, who rose to fame through dynamic kinetic art; the contemporary dance creative group Art Project Bora; and composer Steve Reich, among other diverse artists, all newly illuminated under the theme of ‘running.’

In particular, autobiographical works by artists who have practiced running in their own lives captivate the audience’s attention, including actor and photographer Ryu Jun-yeol, who successfully completed the Chicago Marathon last year; artist Novo, who has participated in over 100 marathon events; and Lucy McRae, who sublimated her experience of training in isolation into her artworks.

Interesting anecdotes about figures related to running, such as Z?topek, Sohn Kee-chung, and Eliud Kipchoge?the first person in history to break the two-hour marathon barrier?are also introduced.

Lucy McRae, Isolation Lab, 2016, single-channel video, color, sound, 9 minutes 38 seconds [Photo courtesy of Picnic]

Additionally, in line with the practical theme of ‘running,’ the Picnic annex’s Runner’s Lounge offers a space where runners can store their belongings and share shoes, allowing visitors to experience running after viewing the exhibition.

Running-related events are also held. Co-hosted by Nike, the exhibition sponsor, and Picnic, a ‘Group Run’ event that lets participants experience various running courses in Seoul takes place every two weeks.

Artist talks will be held throughout April. Visual artist Novo (on the 13th), choreographer Kim Bora (on the 20th), and sculptor Lee Hyung-gu (on the 27th) will participate.