Photographer Son Che-ri Records Human Life and Unstable Attitudes Through the Balance of Stone Towers

In an era of images consumed rapidly through smartphone screens, how does the experience of the audience change when photography is moved into the physical space of an exhibition hall? The recent photography exhibition 'Testing the War' held at KOTE Gallery in Insadong captures the gaze of a young artist who poses questions rather than answers, and exploration rather than certainty.

Human Life and Wishes Contained in the Balance of Stone Towers

According to a Culture Portal video, the participating artist of this exhibition, Son Che-ri (Chung-Ang University, Department of Photography), composed her works with a cautious attitude, much like the exhibition title which carries the meaning of 'testing the waters.' Son began her work by focusing on the emotion of 'wishes'—the act of earnestly desiring something. To capture the hearts of people contained in the stone towers commonly seen in daily life, she chose a method of placing stone towers on top of the human body.

The stone towers in the works constantly shake according to the breathing and movement of the body, but at the same time, they maintain balance. Son intended to show that this appearance resembles human life, which constantly strives to maintain balance even in unstable situations. Rather than having the audience analyze the works with difficulty, she encouraged them to fully feel the atmosphere and sensations of the exhibition space and to take time to project their own experiences onto the works and ask themselves questions.

The Difference Between SNS Images and Exhibition Hall Photography, and the Value of Youth Art

Son found the difference between SNS and exhibition halls in the 'speed and texture with which images are encountered.' While SNS is a space where images are seen quickly and passed by, an exhibition hall is a space where images can be viewed slowly. When facing the actual size of a photograph and the texture of the photographic paper—things that could not be felt on a screen—entirely different emotions arise, and the experience of following the intentionally arranged flow of works provides an experience that is difficult for the digital environment to replace.

She also mentioned the pressure many feel when facing works of art. Son explained, "There are no correct answers in art," noting that exhibitions by young artists are closer to the process of exploring current concerns and questions rather than showing completed answers, allowing the audience to empathize without burden. For a young artist, an exhibition is an important process of growth where they first present their work to society, communicate with the audience, and receive feedback. As such exhibition opportunities increase, it can lead to a virtuous cycle where not only the creator grows, but local citizens can also experience diverse arts.

Son expressed her ambition to become an artist who honestly unravels her experiences, emotions, and life concerns through her work without hiding them. She added that if her story can convey space and questions to someone, that in itself is a way of contributing to culture and art.