Solo Exhibition of British Contemporary Master Antony Gormley
Museum SAN Hosts Largest Gormley Solo Show in Korea
Collaboration with Japanese Architect Tadao Ando
Introducing 'GROUND,' a Space Where Art and Architecture Merge
'GROUND,' the first collaborative art space by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando and master sculptor Antony Gormley, was unveiled on June 19 at Museum SAN in Wonju, Gangwon-do. This dome-shaped space, with an interior diameter of 25 meters, a ceiling height of 7.2 meters, and a circular skylight 2.4 meters in diameter, has been created within the Flower Garden of Museum SAN.
'GROUND' set up at Museum SAN in Wonju, Gangwon-do, where the space itself is part of the exhibition. Museum SAN
'GROUND' resembles the Roman Pantheon, which was built in 27 BC by Agrippa with a closed ceiling to offer sacrifices to the gods of Olympus, but its scale is about three-quarters that of the Pantheon. The key difference from the Pantheon is the circular skylight in the ceiling, which allows light to filter in. The direction of the light illuminating the space changes according to the movement of the sun, and this shifting light is an intentional effect. Looking out, visitors can enjoy an expansive view of the beautifully curving, lush mountain ranges. As a piece of site-specific art, the exhibition space itself becomes part of the exhibition, with the space and the sculptures resonating together.
The seven sculptures installed within the space depict various human forms, rendered in rusted iron. Antony Gormley explained, "I thought a solid foundation on the floor was necessary to properly realize the light. I used iron to express the qualities of reacting to and changing with the atmosphere." He added, "The color of the rust also evokes the idea that iron originates from the earth. The works will continue to change as they are exposed to the weather and nature."
'GROUND' aligns with Museum SAN's aim of pursuing 'isolation for communication.' Antony Gormley stated, "Modern society, captivated by fictitious desires, enslaves humans and is unsustainable. 'GROUND' is an excellent place to sense how human desires might function in the future."
The hemispherical interior of 'GROUND' greatly amplifies and echoes sound. In particular, sounds made at the center are reflected off the ceiling, creating multiple echoes. Antony Gormley noted, "Sound is most amplified at the center of the dome, while the amplitude is relatively smaller at the outer edge. The presence of sound maximizes the vibrancy of the space. Even footsteps echo loudly, making you acutely aware of your existence in this space. I honestly did not expect the sound to be amplified to this extent, but I welcome it with open arms."
'GROUND' does not force any particular interpretation upon visitors, leaving the meaning open. Antony Gormley said, "I do not intend to advocate any specific ideology or personal cosmology. I simply hope people will reflect on where humans are situated within this world. While the answer may not be revealed in the work itself, each visitor can find their own answer through their personal experiences."
In Galleries 1 and 2, visitors can view Antony Gormley's works that explore the themes of body and soul. In Gallery 1, the series 'Liminal Field' features seven human figures that express the relationship between body and space in forms that are as light and fluid as bubbles, evoking the 'moment of existence.' In Gallery 2, 'Body and Soul' explores the senses and structures of human consciousness, while 'Lux' examines the relationship between humans and their surroundings in the space between light and darkness.
'Orbit Field II' in Gallery 3 is an installation that encapsulates the core concepts of Antony Gormley's sculpture. Dozens of steel circular structures represent the movement of celestial bodies along gravitational orbits. The steel circles become more densely arranged from one end to the other, and as visitors pass through them, they become part of a vast celestial body, bringing vitality to the space. This work encourages sensory participation.
This exhibition, which is Antony Gormley's largest solo show in Korea and features the world's first permanent gallery ('GROUND'), will be open to visitors until November 30. On the opening day, June 20, a special lecture by Antony Gormley will also be held.
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