작가 이재균의 사진은 이러한 경계선을 시각화 한 것처럼 보인다, 구조신호를 보내는 신호탄은 누군가 이 신호를 발견하기를 절절히 바라는 때에 터트린다. 하지만 모순되게도 그때야 말로 고립의 정점에 있는 순간이다. 사람이 없는 들판, 숲, 해질녘은 아름답고, 붉은 신호탄이야 말로 불순물로 작용한다. 어쩌면 우리 모두는 해괴한 풍경에 익숙해져 그 신호를 볼 수 없는 것 아닐까. 작가는 이런 생각들과 각성이 필요하다 말하는 듯 하다. 이러한 자각 표현은 불온의 감각이라기보다 개인은 사회 안에서 살아있음을 외치고 당연해 보이는 제도가 결국은 개인을 향하는 건강함을 잃지 않도록 하는 역할을 하는 우리 모두가 ‘인간적’으로 작동하기를 바라는 마음이라고 생각한다.
While it is obvious that individuals come together to form society, the relationship between the two is remarkably peculiar. Individuals generally belong to a society and are under the influence of the principles, public order, laws, and systems defined by that society. Usually, they seem free enough within universal boundaries or common sense; however, an individual’s freedom—even when it does not specifically violate principles or go against public order, but is based on their unique situation—is often restricted. Artifacts acting as passive means of notification solidify in a manner that eliminates the possibility for individual judgment and choice, eventually becoming institutionalized and wielding even greater power. To be sure, social systems do not operate solely to restrict individuals. While modern society is undoubtedly heading toward greater detail to achieve maximum freedom for the majority, a society that stands like an unyielding wall—unchanging despite injustice within the context of an individual's life—can paradoxically instill an unimaginable sense of isolation.
The photographs of artist Lee Jaekyun appear to visualize this very boundary. A flare signaling a distress call is fired at the very moment one desperately hopes someone will discover the signal. Yet, paradoxically, that is precisely the moment when isolation reaches its peak. The deserted fields, forests, and dusk are beautiful, while the red flare acts as an impurity. Perhaps we have all become so accustomed to grotesque landscapes that we are no longer able to perceive the signal. The artist seems to be suggesting that such thoughts and an awakening are necessary. Rather than a sense of subversion, I view this expression of awareness as an individual crying out that they are alive within society. It represents a hope that all of us function "humanely" so that the systems that seem inevitable retain their sound purpose for the sake of the individual.
2020 개인전 《S.O.S : Social Organization System》 전시 평론,
서리풀청년아트갤러리, 서울
2020 Solo Exhibition S.O.S: Social Organization System Exhibition Review, Seoripul Youth Art Gallery, Seoul
임경민 / JCC아트센터큐레이터
Lim Kyungmin / Curator, JCC Art Center
서리풀청년아트갤러리, 서울
2020 Solo Exhibition S.O.S: Social Organization System Exhibition Review, Seoripul Youth Art Gallery, Seoul
임경민 / JCC아트센터큐레이터
Lim Kyungmin / Curator, JCC Art Center