Bedtime as a child can be a realm of imagination or anxiety. For many, like myself, a beloved stuffed animal serves as an emblem of comfort and protection. In a unique twist on childhood nostalgia, Seoul-born, Chicago-based artist Sungho Bae transforms these comforting symbols into something extraordinary with his inventive approach as “Sungho Bae revives” these plush companions into new creations.
In Bae’s creative process, once-beloved toys from shops and disposal sites are deconstructed and reassembled atop figurative frames. The result is a collection of sculptures and reliefs that mimic the appearance of human anatomy—organs, muscles, and tissues—crafted into vibrant, uncanny artworks. As he breathes new life into these objects, they gain a new lease on life, inviting viewers into a dialog about transformation and repurposing.
Charms of transformation as Sungho Bae revives forgotten toys
Bae’s exhibition “Apotropaia” features works reminiscent of ancient amulets. The term borrows from Greek traditions of objects believed to ward off evil, reflecting humanity’s historical connection to objects and rituals. It provokes reflection on the original value of these forsaken toys and how their meanings transform under Bae’s hand. Here, he brings back the past, endowing these forgotten items with new significance and a contemporary artistic voice.
One prominent piece, “Dansu,” presents a haunting blend of the natural and artificial. It’s a bust with taxidermy eyes and feathered hair, resting on a worn game board. “Dansu” references a pivotal moment in the Korean game of Go, encapsulating the tension of impending capture—a stark metaphor for life’s constant balance between existence and oblivion. The artist revives this tension in his art, each piece displaying a story of rebirth and confrontation between the past and present.
If you enjoy the blend of natural and artificial in art, check out eerie sandpaper paintings that provoke thoughts on creation and destruction.
The abstract allure of “Gut” series
Bae’s wall series “Gut” takes on an even more abstract form. These works combine various textures and tones, with strands of hair and embedded clay, creating a mesmerizing and mysterious aesthetic that beckons viewers to explore its depth. The series further illustrates how he revives thoughts and feelings through intricate artwork that bridges the gap between reality and imagination.
Intricate, amorphous and resonating with reimagined meaning, Bae’s “Apotropaia” remains on display at the 4th Ward Project Space through September 6. To follow Sungho Bae’s continuing explorations, find him on Instagram.
For more eerie and uncanny art transformations, explore Hsu Tung Han’s digital glitch-inspired sculptures, a fascinating dive into sculptures that mimic computer errors.
Source: thisiscolossal.com
Frequently asked questions
How does Sungho Bae transform discarded toys?
Sungho Bae deconstructs once-beloved toys from shops and disposal sites and reassembles them atop figurative frames. The result is a collection of sculptures and reliefs that mimic human anatomy, crafted into vibrant and uncanny artworks.
What is the theme of Bae’s exhibition Apotropaia?
Bae’s exhibition ‘Apotropaia’ features works reminiscent of ancient amulets. It borrows from Greek traditions of objects believed to ward off evil, reflecting humanity’s historical connection to objects and rituals, provoking reflection on the original value of forsaken toys.
What is the significance of the piece Dansu?
The piece ‘Dansu’ is a haunting blend of the natural and artificial, featuring taxidermy eyes and feathered hair on a worn game board. It references a pivotal moment in the Korean game of Go, encapsulating the tension of impending capture as a stark metaphor for life’s balance between existence and oblivion.