Allora: We arrived at 7AM on wednesday morning… Can you believe that Johanna – our host and super kind Austrian friend – was actually standing there waiting for us! Talk about taking care of guests, eh?
Anyway, we ran around like headless chickens – pickup up the artists passes etc. Its fantastic to be taken care so well by the organization. Although were weree rather perturbed by the fact that most of the spaces we visited were still in the process of being set up! (Including our own – at the Architekture Forum.) However, by the time the openings began, everything was cleared away nicely. We found Music Box is part of the year long exhibition at the Ars Electronica Center. I can’t begin to describe how proud I am to see this guy becoming a successful artist. After we had a chance to chat – he pointed out how difficult its been – and it simply makes his success that much more commendable. (Imagine leaving your home in Korea 6 years ago for Maryland USA. Taking english classes at community colleges and doing any job that crosses your path… Your wife joins you, and you are forced to leave your son in the care of her parents; After three years, you find a masters program which speaks directly to your interests; And then you get through the post grad experience by contsantly improving a core idea that means a lot to you… The final result? You are awarded an artists visa, and your child can FINALLY come and live with you in America! Not to mention that people are really paying attention to you in the artworld. Jin-Yo is definitely one of my heros!
We also ran into Amit Pitaru at our opening… He was looking fairly exhausted because he’d been setting up Sonic Wire Sculpure at the O.K. Centrum. So good to see NYC familiar faces! I intend to write about all the works that made an impact on me later… However I HAVE to say something about one piece: The highlight without a shadow of a doubt has been the Strandbeest by Theo Jansen. Totally mechanized magnificent creatures – powered by wind and NO electronic parts. Him and his crew are absolutely the friendliest most gentlemanly group. I will write many MANY more words about his work soon – but for now, be satisfied with the knowledge that him and his creations are more inspiring than the rest of the festical put together!
