Sang Sang Ma Dang

I was on the bus and heard a song by Rick Springfield called "Jesse's Girl". Hearing this song in Korea was a surprise. It took me back to 1982. Anyone can appreciate this song. Which is how I feel about Sang Sang Ma Dang (pronounced Song Song Ma Dong). One half gift shop one half art gallery, Sang Sang Ma Dang is located in the heart of Hongdae. Now for those of you that don't know Hongdae is the mecca of young college Seoul Korea. Which is saying a lot considering there are about 40 Universities in this city. It's the part on town that always has people roaming the streets. Sang Sang Ma Dang is the frozen pizza of Korean art. It ain't super bad and it ain't super good. When I go there I know what I'm getting. This time around they had some nice graphic design pieces and upstairs photography. I got some picts of the graphic design. The photography was of...you guessed it, sad people within the space of city/nature/home. "Dear korean photographers, I get it. People are sad." I was with a friend and the exhibit was so sad we started to laugh at it. But you know the quality of the print was something. The printer (or computer) did one hell of a job printing. So Mr. Printer...props.

Alt Space Loop -March 12, 2011

Though out this blog I've expressed my loved for Hongdae gallery, Alt Space Loop. I can always find something I enjoy there. ANd they keep it fresh with younger artists. This time was no different, however I've got some complaints this time. has brought attention to the fact that street art is in need of a serious make over. The graphics pasted on the side of the gallery is a good place to start. It's possible to make anything look fresh, but how many times have we seen guns meshed cartoon characters meshed with clouds? Since 1997 have I been looking at this stuff. I think the biggest problem with street art is that you see it everywhere now days. Magazines at barnes and noble, galleries, t-shirts, hand bags, stickers, websites and yes on the streets. I want some new images and colors to replace the old ones. It's like watching someone create almost the exact same some over and over again. I'm a person that enjoys visual culture but damn the culture has gotta change. Of course maybe this is all a good thing. Maybe this is the beginning of a new movement. Maybe there will be a change to street art and new path will be made. I'm hopeful. Art and therefore people have never let me down. There is some person in an apartment developing quiet magic for us.

Old article from the NY Times on Paul Mccarthy

When I was 17 I would buy records from an artist and really love them. Within a few years though the love story was over and their music just wouldn't have the same enthusiasm as it did when they started out. That happened with a lot of records I bought.
Art is different than records I know but still when an artist keeps you looking and discovering, that artist is doing their job to the hilt. No other artist I know does this better that Paul Mccarthy.
Ok I'll admit it I'm a Paul Mccarthy nut. I guess it happened around the late 90's. My friend had an issue of Juxtapose which featured PM on the cover and a nice article inside. I was upset by the images of his 70's performance art. Then I borrowed the magazine and read the article. The more I read the more I wanted to know. Those images really change me. My whole perspective on art changed right then and there. I went from hating PM to loving him in a matter of a few hours. In way It's been a journey to try to understand Paul Mccarthy and his art. The guy keeps me guessing. From Piccadilly Circus to the W bush sculptures I'm always asking myself "What have you done this time Paul?" It's the guess that keeps me coming back for more. And I'm pleased to report with age he's getting better. The man show's now signs of slowing down. Here's an old article from the NY times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/arts/design/22mccarthy.html?_r=1&ref=paulmccarthy

Seoul National University Art Museum (MOA)

http://www.snumoa.org/
Seoul National University is located off the green line in Seoul.
Transportation
Bus: 5511, 5512 (previously 413), 5513, 5516 and 5518 Subway: Seoul National University Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, Exit No. 3 (use school shuttle buses, city buses (5511–3) or taxicabs)

Of course you can't take pictures at an institution like this. A rule which does not serve the artists if you ask me. Unless it's an artist that makes money from publishing their art already which I'm sure are few. Obviously it comes down to money and someones worried that someone else will make some money.
It takes a little while to get to this museum because you have to take a bus to it even after you reach the subway station. Look for the bus stop where the students are going. Get off right after you enter through the main entrance. You'll see the building on your left across from a stadium. You can't miss it.
It's free to get in but be ware the snobbery level in high. 8 out of 10. It's worth it though. They have a nice collection. I really don't know who's who when it comes to Korean art but it's a big contemporary scene there. Lots of paintings. Most Korean paintings are OK. It's hard to put my finger on it. There are about 3 levels. There was some memorable video art. Go see.

New works from Alt Space Loop

Alt Space Loop is located in the area of Hongdae, Seoul Korea. Like most places in Seoul its impossible to find, but hey that's half the fun (Unless its -5 degrees outside). ALt space loop is a non profit organization or it has that not profit org feel to it. The building itself is really cool looking so you'll feel smart taking your friends there. There are two floors dedicated to art, one floor for the cafe and library and a fourth floor that they are fixing up for something new (Jan 2011). You'll never be let down by Alt Space Loop they always have something hot there. A lot of the art is by younger artists so it makes it fun. Having said that Korean contemporary art has been impressive. Seoul has become something of a hot bed for new painters. There's a lot of pop and realism. However a wave of outsider art has made it's way to Korea also. The pictures I posted here are from the latest Exhibit (Jan 2011). On the day I took these pictures there some people there. However many times I go there nobody's there which is interesting because go to Sang Sang Ma Dang on any given saturday and the place is packed. Sang Sang is located in the heart of Hongdae so I'm sure that has something to do with it. Not that you shouldn't check out Sang Sang Ma Dang it's always worth a check.

Richard Prince and Paul Mccarthy works in Seoul

http://www.pkmgallery.com/exhibitions/2011-02-24_text-video-female

Richard Prince and Paul Mccarthy works at PKM Trinity Gallery in Apgujeong. I'm thrilled that these works will be coming to Seoul. I feel like we don't get enough international artists here. Maybe that's changing.

Damien Hurst: More money, more problems

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/09/damien.hirst.talkasia/index.html?iref=allsearch



Damien Hurst, the worlds wealthiest living artist talks about his art and why it doesn't matter if he makes it or not.

"People have always said things like that, and no matter how many times I answer the question people will always go but you didn't make it," he says.
"(It's my work) only in the same way that a Frank Gehry can be described as a Frank Gehry house. I'm sure that Mrs. Prada doesn't make the jackets either, but we all call them Prada and are happy to buy them. And maybe if you bought one that was actually made by Mrs. Prada we might not like it as much."