KTO Mission: Mediacity Seoul 2012: Spell on you

Social media. 

Can you imagine life 10, 15, 20 years ago, when we didn't have the constant comfort of Facebook, Twitter and smartphones to combat boredom? Social media and the technology that we use to access it have forever changed our lives. I, for one, don't think that I could survive in Korea without Google Translate and KakaoTalk. 

But with the increasing lack of privacy that is associated with social media, does it do more harm than good? Arguments can be made for both; the "good" can be found here and the "harm" can be found here). I think your answer depends on both your age group and your depth of knowledge (or ignorance) about the matter, as shown in the comments of the previous links. It's such a hot topic that CNN has created an entire section on Our Mobile Society. 

That's what the Mediacity Seoul 2012: Spell on you exhibit highlights—the effects of social media on our lives, for better or worse. The pieces typically have an effect on the audience, if only because they relate to our generation in ways that are both fairly obvious (i.e. being able to easily search, read and reproduce non-private tweets) and a bit mind-blowing (i.e. placing listening devices throughout the museum and being able to listen to others' conversations). 

My favorites are below!


The Tenth Sentiment, 2010 by Ryota Kuwakubo

This artwork embodies the quote that modern art gets all of the time: "I could have done that." Using only a mini-train, railroad track and everyday objects, the artist creates another world. This seemingly simplistic exhibit is in a pitch black room, with the only light coming from the train. Simple objects (think a wastebasket, paperclips and pencils) are placed around the track. The true art is the shadow that the train's light casts while moving along the track. While you can clearly see the plainness of the objects when the light hits them, the shadows create an ever-changing scene that looks ridiculously similar to one that you would see if you were on a real train.


Eye-Tracking Informatics, 2011 by Seiko Mikami

"Observing the act of observation" describes this piece perfectly. Using a PA system, an eye-tracking system, actuators and binaural headphones, this artwork allows the participant to create a 3D structure using their eyesight alone, both consciously and unconsciously. It's an ever-changing process in a space that, initially pitch black, has no top or bottom. When creating your own neural network-like pattern, you're only able to see your own pattern and the one created by the person before you. Make sure to use this at the beginning of your trip, as it overheated during the day and was shut down for a short time right after I had used it! My vision track is in the upper right; I clearly have no direction.


In Between, 2012 by HYBE (Hive for Hybrid Environment)

This artwork was really entertaining for the kids and interesting to try and figure out what the meaning behind it was for me. Using a projection, tracking camera, and computer, the participants' physical presence affected the art's movement. Instead of simply walking in a pattern, if a person stood in the invisible man's path, the footsteps would stop and change directions. Before reading the description, we thought that this may have just been the pre-programmed pattern. However, when four of us surrounded the projection, it stopped. It just stood there. Childlike wonder, party of one. This invisible character is meant to represent strangers, outsiders and "others" alike. After reading the description, I had a completely different reaction to the art: Not only did I feel sorry for it, but I can imagine the feelings of loneliness and being trapped, having all of your actions being necessary reactions to your environment. It felt very...forced. And evoked some contradictory emotions, which, I suppose, is the point of art.


Be Your Own Souvenir, 2011 by blablabLAB

It was surprising how nonchalant the employees were about this exhibit. I mean, come on—3D printing!! By taking volunteers from the museum's visitors, the audience became the art—the viewer became the viewed. First, an audience member (or two, if you wanted to do a couple shot, which Koreans are big fans of) stands in the 3D scanning area (my image is on the left). It takes awhile, but the image is scanned and then details are perfected on the two computers. Once the image is completed, red or blue wax is used to create a 3D wax print of the participant(s). Again, this is one to sign up for early; this exhibit closes earlier than the museum (around 4PM).

Final products

Don't take my word for how captivating and relatable this is. It's a unique thing to do in the city known for it's connectivity factor. Mediacity Seoul 2012 will be at the Seoul Museum of Art until Sunday, November 4. It's free (even the audio guides, available in Korean and English, are free) and I highly recommend spending a morning or afternoon there when in Seoul. The website provides more details about the other exhibits.

Bulguksa Elementary School—Sports Day!

It's been decided, and not even the days with curry for lunch compare. This is, by far, my favorite part of the school year. Not only are classes cancelled, but this day (also called the "Sports Festival" by my head teacher) is used to show the physical prowess of the Bulguksa Elementary School kids. Sure, there were normal activities like relay races, but there were also a few that used some imagination. Or maybe I just don't remember having this much fun during recess (we certainly didn't have days that were dedicated to sports—not fair). Plus, families are invited to attend and even participate in a couple of events! 

I had the pleasure of racing sixth graders, participating in the teacher activity and being part of a relay-race-meets-scavenger-hunt. And, before you ask, my team won each activity. Yes, I beat elementary school children. Whatevs.

Kindergardeners, with the help of their parents

First graders

Intense school-wide tug of war

Relay race/scavenger hunt