Exhibitions

Perigee Team Project is an annual program that selects a talented young artist and a curator to collaborate on organizing a meaningful exhibition. For the year of 2023, Artist Goseong and curator Hong Yeji were chosen. Despite residing in different regions, they exchanged letters throughout the year discussing life and art. Regardless of generational differences, they discovered shared interests. They believe in the essential aspects of humans life including wisdom in navigating life, a grounded simplicity, and a harmonious balance between intangible transcendental values and the tangible elements that anchor human existence.
Their dialogue commenced in early winter and unfolded across the seasons—spring, summer, fall, and back to winter. They delved deeply into contemplating the knowledge essential for humanity today and pondered the path forward, tracing humanity's cultural evolution since ancient times. They scrutinized the intimate imprints of life found in classics, philosophical writings, poetry, and the arts. The exhibition seeks to delve into the interactive journey between the two collaborators, manifesting as a theatrical setting that beckons a diverse audience from varying backgrounds. It seamlessly connects their achievements and the wisdom they've gleaned along the way.
The gallery is organized into three primary sections: the curator's study, the artist's studio, and a shared interaction zone. Essentially, these areas symbolize 'you, me, and us'. The space adopts a circular layout, signifying a collective journey towards the creation of a unified whole—a fusion of harmony and cohesion. The furnishings and props in the study and studio serve as visual representations of each individual's life and introspection. Both the curator and artist regularly engage in interactions and conduct brief performances within these spaces every week. Functioning akin to a theatrical stage, the gallery space serves as a bridge between the duo and the audience.
The exhibition features a book compiling their exchanged letters, serving as a documented journey of their dedicated year. This book not only adds depth to the interpretation of the exhibition but also acts as a tool for understanding the objects displayed within the gallery. The profound essence of their collaborative project gains heightened significance through interactions with visitors, allowing for a deeper resonance and impact.
The excerpt below is a snippet from the letters exchanged between Goseong and Hong Yeji. From the myriad stories shared throughout the four seasons, specific ones have been selected—centered around the winter solstice, the onset of spring, the summer solstice, and the commencement of autumn. Alongside these small clues, heartfelt sincere gestures and forms await visitors.

Winter / Goseong
Today is the winter solstice, which is the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. During this time of the year, I feel invigorated and forget about my fatigue. My vision is clearer, and I take the time to reflect on the scenes I've captured in the past while continuing to work in the latter half. Starting tomorrow, daylight will gradually become longer. To me, the winter solstice is more significant than the New Year because I feel more determined and motivated during this time. Light and darkness swap places in peace. We are all moving together from here to there.

Spring / Hong Yeji
It is the first day of spring! Today matches a poem by William Carlos Williams. I feel that the change captured in the last verse has occurred within me as well. I have a sensation that this small beginning will shake up my daily life and I will attain the spiritual growth I have always desired. As we transition through the seasons, I wonder where our discussions on life's meaning, wonder, faith, connection, and language will lead us. I think we are at the threshold of moving into the unknown. This path before us is referred to as a ‘song line’ or a ‘dreaming track.’

Summer / Goseong
In two weeks, the summer solstice arrives, a time traditionally reserved for harvesting barley and potatoes. Let's plan to meet on that day and indulge in boiled barley or potato pancakes together. It feels like a day slips away swiftly with the delightful wind and sunlight. Yesterday, I spent time at the playground with my nieces, resulting in a bit of sunburn on my nose and cheeks. Sending my regards as the sun climbs higher each day.

Autumn / Hong Yeji
I recently revisited the Tomb of King Sejong after a long time. Surprisingly, golden rice fields had flourished around it. It's believed that the guardians of the king's tomb once cultivated this land for their family in the past. The juxtaposition of graves and rice fields struck me as an unusual yet profound combination, merging death and life into one view. Seeing these yellow-bowed rice fields left me spellbound, evoking a mix of emotions—gratitude, comfort, and even solemnity. It made me realize what I had been missing: a deep sense of connection, a natural rhythm, and those moments when everything falls into place. It's the integration of death into life and life into death that I found within that scene.