Making Room, Artivist, Seoul, ROK
Text by Afrodet Zuri
In Making Room, Italian artist Agostino Iacurci unveils a captivating synthesis of traditional Korean architectural and botanical motifs, merged with his distinctive flat-shape artistic language. This exhibition is the culmination of Iacurci's intensive exploration during his residency, where he immersed himself in the rich tapestry of Korean culture. A pivotal discovery for Iacurci was 'Dancheong (단청)', an ancient Korean coloring technique historically used to adorn wooden structures and artifacts. Iacurci's encounter with Dancheong's vivid hues and intricate geometrical patterns has profoundly influenced his work, leading to the creation of pieces that honor Korean tradition while recontextualizing them within a contemporary artistic framework.
The title Making Room elegantly encapsulates Iacurci's methodological ethos: it is both a literal and figurative exploration of transforming two-dimensional elements into an immersive three-dimensional experience. For Iacurci, a space transcends its physical boundaries, evolving into a cultural canvas. Here, the local heritage and global narratives introduced by the artist interweave, creating a dynamic interplay. Eschewing the modification of his surroundings to suit his thematic vision, Iacurci embraces each space in its authentic form, challenging himself to craft an atmosphere that not only spotlights his introduced artworks but also accentuates the intrinsic character of the existing environment. Making Room thus becomes a metaphor for the human propensity to curate and transform our surroundings, reimagining familiar contexts to present transformative experiences.
Iacurci's oeuvre is distinguished by its narrative richness, weaving historical and cultural threads through whimsical, flat-shaped compositions that delve into diverse themes – from culture and history to geometry, architecture, and botany. His artistry is marked by bold lines, vibrant colors, and geometric patterns, embodying a playful yet poignant storytelling approach. Contextual resonance is paramount in Iacurci's work; each exhibition, public installation, and collaboration is a carefully crafted narrative that not only incorporates local elements but also challenges viewers with fresh perspectives in known settings.
In Making Room, Iacurci's ambition is to fuse Korean architectural and botanical elements with traditional Western motifs, creating a dialogue between different artistic heritages. This amalgamation of styles – geometric, architectural, and botanical – generates a unique contrast within the exhibition space. Bright, vivacious tones and natural themes stand in stark contrast to the subdued greys of the gallery walls and floors, while the repetitive patterns and structural elements in his works echo the rigid urban landscape outside. Making Room is an invitation to explore Iacurci's continuous journey into the heart of local history, bridging the past and present, the vivid and the understated, the fantastical and the real.
