Image courtesy of MoCA Busan
Today, when there are no indications of a slowdown in the investment crazes behind stocks, cryptocurrencies, and real estate, poor labour conditions and workers’ accidents are reported on a daily basis. Is there a hidden relationship between the two?
‘The Phenomenal Transition,’ hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan (MoCA Busan), explores the extent to which the decline in the value of labour is connected to unearned income, and explores the paradox behind the capitalist system. While researching topics such as housing, real estate, and redevelopment, Lee Seunghoon focused on Busan, which is heavily populated by high-rise buildings of 50 stories and more. The video Til-up gradually ascends from the bottom to the top of a high-rise apartment in Haeundae, and the line of sight here represents the desire for infinite ascension. The scripts from the stock exchange discussion forum, as seen in Im Youngzoo’s video Theta, depict the process behind an individual’s beliefs turning into collective beliefs.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese artist Chou Yu Cheng focuses on workers in Three Liquid Story: Water, Tears, and Sweat and A Working History – Lu Chieh-Te. The narrative of the intermittent worker Lu Chieh-Te demonstrates the socioeconomic conditions and challenges in Taiwan that are directly related to labour. Kang Taehun, a Busan-based artist, presents SURPLUS CLOUD. The 8m-long structure has been modelled after a greenhouse. The greenhouse is no longer a place for growing plants; but it is also now a home for migrant workers and a site for bitcoin mining. This structure features elements overproduced by capital, including labour, for proliferation.
Kim Seongyeon (Director, MoCA Busan) said that ‘I hope that, through this exhibition, the audience would reach the truth of capitalism anew’. There will be no change in capitalist societies until we re-diagnose misunderstandings, such as ‘money makes money’ and ‘income without labour,’ and interpret them as unpleasant or unwelcome concepts. The exhibition will be on display until Mar. 20.