Line is an important form for his aesthetics, allowing him to explore the essence and beauty of form and shape. In this series, Hofman created minimalistic works of stainless steel depicting animals. He intentionally selected endangered animals as the subject matter and created works much larger than life size to emphasize the humbling force of nature. The line is the only element that creates each animal’s figurative shape, dividing the shape into outer and inner space. By isolating a specific element, Hofman emphasizes and enhances his constant pursuit of a simplified and purified aesthetic experience.
FLORENTIJN HOFMAN: INCLUSIVE
Seoul
2023.12.02 - 2024.01.07
A veteran of art in the public sphere, the internationally renowned Dutch artist is best known for his playful, large-scale urban installations that scale up animals to larger-than-life proportions. He gained international fame for his oversized rubber duck, Rubber Duck (2007), parked in the waterfronts of major cities worldwide. In this exhibition, Hofman focuses on inclusion and hopes to promote an equitable culture that values, appreciates, and welcomes people of all backgrounds and diverse characteristics. Hofman reflects on family, friendships, sharing moments, and making stories with loved ones and new people, promoting peace and hope.
Hofman aims to challenge the audience’s comfort by recasting the simple perspective on everyday objects. They are immediately identifiable and have an instant appeal. The familiarity and positivity of the artworks allow the public to explore his art in an affable way. Although artists do not always value the reactions of passers-by, for Hofman, the audience is an essential part of his work. Connectivity, social engagement, and interaction with the audience are key elements of Hofman’s creative process. He wishes to grasp people’s attention by inviting them to join in.
He uses site-specific materials for his works so the locals can identify with the sculpture and experience a bonding experience. Fat Monkey (Sao Paulo, 2010), a huge monkey tied together from 10,000 brightly colored Brazilian icon flip-flops, is a good example. Big Yellow Rabbit (Örebro, 2011) is another. The 13-meter-high installation in the center of a Swedish plaza was constructed on-site of all local materials, wooden shingles, and wooden armature. Using materials and local culture that residents can recognize, Hofman evokes the missing interaction between people.
The exhibition will showcase small-scale versions of his famous public installations: Hippopo Thames, Fat Monkey, Moon Rabbit, Kraken, Kobe Frog, and Bubblecoat Elephant. These small-scale sculptures were created using ceramic.
Hofman chose ceramic for his small-scale sculptures because it evokes the clean and pure shapes of the original works with a sophisticated sheen. Bringing Hofman’s international public projects into the gallery brings elements and culture from each place into one space. The exhibition connects the different elements and fosters interaction between the works and the audiences, thus creating a diverse and multicultural atmosphere.
Ultimately, Hofman’s works are symbols of fraternization. He puts the themes of connectivity and social engagement at the center of his practice. Through Hofman’s first solo exhibition in Korea, Inclusive, He hopes to foster a more diverse and tolerant environment where everyone is welcome and equal. Hofman looks towards opening our hearts so that the joy of feeling, observing, and learning about his works can be connected to the joy of appreciating and respecting one another.
ABOUT
FLORENTIJN HOFMAN: INCLUSIVE
2023.12.02 - 2024.01.07
2023.12.02 - 2024.01.07
Seoul
70 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-ku, Seoul, Korea
+822 318 1012
+822 318 1013
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed: Monday
+822 318 1012
+822 318 1013
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed: Monday