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[STUDIO] I've heard of the Songeun Art Foundation,
and I know they're influential in Korea's contemporary art community because of their
Songeun Art Award. Is this art space related to that award?
Yes This art space was created in 2011 to provide a space for the winners of the competition
to display their solo exhibitions, which is a very important and very difficult step for
artists. There's a reason for the phrase "starving
artist" and that's because it really is hard to get funding to open a solo exhibition,
and so this award provides great opportunities for emerging artists, such as , to get their
careers started.
Only time will tell if these artists continue their careers.
But you also have a couple performances that have stood the test of time here in Korea.
Right. So I also have a couple of theater performances that are considered a little
out there. But theater is still very much an art experience,
and just like looking at an abstract work of art, these performances require a bit of
an open mind. Let's take a look.
[VIDEO START] Four chairs...four actors. Seems simple enough.
The stage is always ready for imaginative ideas.
This play pushes the actors, as well as the audience members beyond their comfort zones,
with a waterfall of curse words, as well as actual water as well.
It's been on the stage for 40 years, keeping audience members hooked with its cheeky comedy.
[KOREAN] "During the show, as we keep hearing curse
words, I begin to want to curse along with them and release stress as they seem to do
on stage while cursing."
[KOREAN] "It's a really famous show so I came to watch
it. It's very different from different performances, so it requires a little bit more patience
and understanding, but over all I think this kind of show is fun. And it was definitely
a different approach to theater."
There's another way to push the borders of comfort.
In 1975, the original cast for Equus included and , along with many other star actors.
And almost 35 years later, it's back on the stage, with a new cast.
But this time around, the young members are met with the challenge of acting out this
play, completely in the nude.
[KOREAN] "It took a long time and great effort to make
this performance, and it's difficult to explain. But it feels like I can direct all those efforts
and all of the work I've put in into creating this performance."
These plays have stood the test of time...something notable in this line of work.
Although they might be on the outside of what may seem normal in the theater, they have
proven to be successful for both the artists and the audience.
[KOREAN] "Logically, dramas should be easy to understand
while pushing boundaries. They can be different styles, and have a sense of the modern. At
the same time they can bring fresh ideas to the stage. That's the way to keep a loyal
audience for a long time."
[STUDIO] People are always pushing the boundaries of
art. Soon the outrageous becomes the norm.
We'll just have to wait and see where contemporary art will go next.
That's right. I'll keep you updated all along the way.
Thank you for that report.
See you tomorrow.