"Sculpture? It Feels Like Someone's Life"... Visiting the Exhibition Causing an Open Run

Asia's First Solo Exhibition of "Master of Contemporary Sculpture" Ron Mueck
Crowds Gather Even Before Opening
Showcasing Hyperrealistic Sculptures with Exaggerated and Miniaturized Human Forms

On the 27th, the artist's representative work "In Bed" is exhibited at the "Ron Mueck" exhibition held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This exhibition runs until July 13. Photo by Seo Jiyoung

On Sunday, April 27, at 10 a.m., the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul. Despite the early hour, hundreds of visitors were lined up in front of the exhibition. They were there to see the largest retrospective in Asia of "master of contemporary sculpture" Ron Mueck, who is 67 years old.

When the reporter arrived at the exhibition hall, there was already a line stretching for dozens of meters. The exhibition had generated buzz even before its opening, resulting in an "open run" phenomenon, with visitors waiting from the morning for the doors to open. The docent in charge of the exhibition commentary that day said, "This is the first time I have stood in front of so many people," giving a sense of the heated response to the show.

'Mask II' is exhibited at the 'Ron Mueck' exhibition held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seo Jiyoung

As soon as you enter the exhibition hall, the first work to catch your eye is "Mask II." This human sculpture, which depicts every pore of the skin and each eyebrow hair with extreme vividness and precision, is rendered on a massive scale, creating an "irony" that feels both realistic and surreal at the same time. Lee Minji, 26, who came from Changwon, Gyeongnam, said, "Even though the work is right in front of me, it feels so unreal I can hardly believe it," and added, "It's the first time I've ever spent so long in front of a single sculpture."

In front of the work "In Bed," a long line had formed for people to take photos. Yoo Hanjin, 22, who visited the exhibition with his girlfriend, said, "I think I waited at least 20 minutes just to take one photo. Still, I really wanted to get a picture, since I might not get another chance to see this work," and added, "The emotions I felt were as big as the size of the piece itself."

The painting "Woman Shopping" is exhibited at the "Ron Mueck" exhibition held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seo Jiyoung

"This isn't just a 'sculpture'?it feels like someone's 'life.'"

Lee Jaewon, 34, who spent a long time looking at "Woman Shopping," said, "I almost cried in front of this work," and added, "The woman holding a child and carrying plastic bags looks so exhausted, it reminded me of my own mother. It doesn't feel like just a sculpture?it's as if I'm seeing and hearing someone's story." Oh Seungjun, 29, who stopped in front of the work "Chicken/Man," which faces a middle-aged man and a hen, shared his impression: "It's amazing that you can feel emotions even without any explanation."

"Mass" is exhibited at the "Ron Mueck" exhibition held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

The climax of the exhibition is the installation "Mass," composed of 100 skulls. Inspired by the underground catacombs of Paris, this work fills the 14-meter-high exhibition space with a massive heap of skulls that overwhelms visitors. Lee Seunghwan, 40, said, "It felt like I was overwhelmed by death and emotion," and added, "I stood there in silence for a long time. My body was in reality, but my mind felt transported to another time."

Visitors at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to see the "Ron Mueck" exhibition. They are lined up in a long queue for photography. Photo by Seo Jiyoung

Ron Mueck's sculptures captivate viewers not just with their appearance, but with the psychological depth, stories, and density of empathy beneath the surface. Han Chaei, 30, said, "It's not just about being 'big' or 'elaborate'?the works keep making you think," and added, "After seeing the pieces, I kept thinking about my family, friends, and my own life." The docent concluded, "Ron Mueck's works do not end with viewing; they open a door to imagination that connects to each person's own memories and emotions."

The Ron Mueck exhibition runs until July 13 at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The exhibition features 10 of his representative works, as well as photo series and documentaries. Admission is 5,000 won per person, and tickets can be reserved online in advance or purchased on-site. This exhibition is jointly organized by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in France, and after its run in Seoul, it will continue at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, Japan.