Sungho Bae's sculptures are a fascinating exploration of the emotional and symbolic value of childhood possessions. In his exhibition, Apotropaia, Bae takes once-beloved toys, deconstructs them, and transforms them into uncanny sculptures that resemble organs and tissues. This process raises a deeper question about the meaning and significance we assign to objects, and how these meanings can be reshaped and reconfigured.
One of the most intriguing works is 'Dansu', a head and cross-cut neck with taxidermy eyes and feathers standing in for hair. The piece references a state in the Korean game of Go, where there's only one move left before capture. This tension between natural and artificial, spirit and death, is embodied by the figure, who stares with vacant glass eyes originally designed to replicate life in a mounted animal. The figure is presented atop a weathered game board, adding to the sense of ambiguity and tension.
The additional wall works, each titled 'Gut', are more amorphous. With wispy hair encircling an edge and bits of clay embedding into the mishmash of color and texture, the strange pieces revel in their ambiguity, inviting the viewer in for a closer look. These works are a testament to the power of ambiguity and the importance of taking a closer look at the world around us.
In my opinion, Bae's sculptures are a powerful commentary on the emotional and symbolic value of childhood possessions. They remind us of the importance of taking a closer look at the world around us, and the power of ambiguity and tension in shaping our understanding of the world. The sculptures are a fascinating exploration of the human condition, and a reminder of the importance of taking a step back and thinking about the deeper questions that arise from our experiences.
