Ron Mueck's art exhibition, held from 11/4 to 13/7 in South Korea, drew considerable attention from artists and the public, according to The JoongAng. Two pieces, "In Bed" (2005) and "Mask II" (2002), particularly captivated viewers.
"In Bed" features a giant 6.5-meter-long sculpture of a woman lying in bed, covered by a blanket, her chin resting on her hand, her face etched with contemplation. The details are remarkably lifelike. A visitor named Jeong from the Mapo-Gu district of Seoul said, "I saw the exhibition on social media, but seeing the actual works in person is a completely different experience,".
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"In Bed" by Ron Mueck. Photo: Ron Mueck |
"In Bed" by Ron Mueck. Photo: Ron Mueck
Mueck's creative process is complex, with each piece often taking months or even a year to complete. In nearly 30 years, he has only finished 48 sculptures. An article in The Independent described them not as mere sculptures, but as versions of human beings, complete with wrinkles, hard toenails, and visible beads of sweat.
Mueck not only focuses on external details but also invests significant time in capturing the "inner essence," emphasizing emotions like loneliness, fear, and anxiety. He aims to make viewers question whether the sculptures are alive, provoking a sense of unease.
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"Mask II," another work featured in the exhibition, resembles a large mask, modeled after Mueck's own face. The wrinkles and furrowed brow convey a sense of worry. Photo: Christchurch Art Gallery |
"Mask II," another work featured in the exhibition, resembles a large mask, modeled after Mueck's own face. The wrinkles and furrowed brow convey a sense of worry. Photo: Christchurch Art Gallery
The exhibition, a collaboration between the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea and the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain (France), showcased 10 sculptures, 12 studio photographs, and two documentary films. These provided insights into Mueck's exploration of sculpture and his efforts to transcend the limitations of the medium, offering a comprehensive overview of his artistic career.
Over its 94-day run, the exhibition attracted more than 520,000 visitors, averaging over 5,590 people per day, according to The JoongAng. About 70% of the attendees were between the ages of 20 and 30, many having learned about the event through Instagram and TikTok. Several artists, including Park Cho-rong (Apink), Key (SHINee), and Hoshi (Seventeen), also visited and took photos with the works.
On the final day, July 13, a long queue formed outside the museum at 9 a.m., an hour before opening. Many visitors explained that they chose to arrive early to avoid the afternoon crowds.
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Visitors wait to see the Ron Mueck exhibition. After South Korea, the exhibition will continue at the Mori Art Museum in Japan. Photo: The JoongAng |
Visitors wait to see the Ron Mueck exhibition. After South Korea, the exhibition will continue at the Mori Art Museum in Japan. Photo: The JoongAng
The 67-year-old Mueck, born in Melbourne, Australia, began his career creating models and puppets for children's television. After moving to England in 1986, he gradually developed his unique artistic style. He is renowned for his hyperrealistic human sculptures, which vary dramatically in scale, creating a powerful visual contrast.
Artist Ron Mueck prepares for his exhibition in Milan in 2023. Video: Foundationcartier
Minh Phuong (according to The JoongAng)
