BAHK SEON-GHI

Bahk is known for his monumental, ethereal installations using natural materials (mostly charcoal) to create everyday objects such as tables, staircases, picture frames and circles, which appear to float through light in space. His works thematically explore the natural circle of life, in particular the relationship between birth, death, and decay. Charcoal, his material of choice, is fundamental in this exploration - the natural substance holds traditional importance in Korean rituals related to matters of birth or death.

Bahk’s Aggregation series of colossal charcoal installations resemble Roman columns, spiral staircases, flower pots, side tables and chairs. By meticulously suspending pieces of natural charcoal to create mundane or ordinary household structures, he confronts viewers with a new perspective on our humanity’s relationship to nature. The series suggests that nature should not be incorrectly assumed as just a background to modern progress, but rather plays an integral role in our every day lives, not only in the objects we use but also in how we share the same chemical make-up – we are all carbon-based, made of the same matter.

Bahk is an internationally celebrated and established contemporary Korean artist. He holds a significant number of international exhibitions to his name, in addition to the numerous group shows he has participated in. His work has been acquired by a vast number of important public and private collections.