Exposition personnelle : ROCKS

Opening reception: Thursday, November 22, 2018, 6 p.m 22 Novembre 2018, 18h

Exhibition: November 22-January 5

Rough stones from the depths of nature, polished stones refined into their most precious forms. Gentle curves or untamed surfaces— a dual identity born from the dawn of time. A primitive and immortal material, stone stands as the essence of our earth and of human evolution.

The foundation of civilization, stone is the primary material of the constructions that mark the apogee of great civilizations. For the Korean artist Mun-gi Yang, the cosmological scope of this material is transformed by the sculptor’s hand. Explored in various forms, it confronts our gaze and takes on new meaning. Shaped into the form of bags, smoothed and engraved like jewelry, it becomes an object of identity construction. For him, the bag—and more specifically the handbag—allows its owner to construct an image that helps express identity, both through what it contains and through its outward appearance.

Through this work centered on the bag, Mun-gi Yang can question both our relationship to culture (with bags engraved in Korean characters) and our relationship to luxury, as in his series of works where the logos of major brands (Louis Vuitton, Chanel…) become symbols—true international linguistic characters whose mere visual presence immerses us in a fantasized world.

Mun-gi Yang also enjoys questioning history and our relationship to time. From the luxury bag carved in stone to the prehistoric pouch, he imbues humanity’s place in time with a sense of eternity. Whether modern or ancient, rustic or finely chiseled, his work fascinates as much as it surprises.

His piece Chic Rocks perfectly embodies this relationship to time, offering a humorous nod to humanity’s connection with objects.

Stone, rope, and wood—three materials as natural as they are essential to the evolution of the human condition—are here transformed into a bag, a true bundle in which each person’s sense of belonging and existence is concentrated. The primitive bond with nature and the “prehistoric” form of the object are nonetheless disrupted by the motifs engraved on its surface. Imprinted like seals, these lyrical coats of arms—symbols of a consumer aesthetic that has become universal—immediately immerse us in the world of chic and fashion.

By producing this work in an edition of 120, Mun-gi Yang questions not only the object itself but also the notion of luxury. To own or to share, as immutable as it is fragile, this piece captivates both our gaze and our imagination—so chic… so rock.

Take part in our contest for a chance to

win an original, one-of-a-kind sculpture by the artist!

Purchase a ticket for only 20 Euros. The draw will take place on January 10, 2019, during an Instagram video story to announce the winners!
Please note: there are two unique pieces up for grabs!
The proceeds will support the artist’s performance on the Pont des Arts in Paris.