Es Devlin Creates Temporary Society at FUTURA SEOUL

Artist Es Devlin's "3rd Poem: Es Devlin, Come Home Again" exhibition, her first solo show in Korea, is currently on display at FUTURA SEOUL in Bukchon, running until January 17, 2027. This comprehensive exhibition spans over three decades of Devlin's artistic practice, encompassing drawing, sculpture, moving image, books, sound, and light installations. A central theme woven throughout the exhibition is the concept of presence, examining how individuals interact with spaces and with each other. Devlin is known for her immersive stage designs and installations that often blur the lines between spectator and participant, creating environments that engage audiences through sensory experiences. "3rd Poem" continues this exploration by inviting visitors to become integral parts of the artworks themselves. The exhibition commences with "Infinite Library," a space where drawings and films are projected onto shelves filled with inverted books, setting a contemplative tone. This area transitions into "Mirror Maze," an installation featuring reflective glass that disorients and envelops visitors, folding them directly into the artwork. Another significant piece, "Line of Light," originated from Devlin's observation of a narrow beam of light and is reinterpreted at Futura Seoul to connect the artificial lighting within the gallery with the natural environment visible outside. Upstairs, "Screenshare" presents a monumental moving image composed of hundreds of sketchbooks collected by Devlin throughout her career, showcasing fragments of drawings, notes, and past projects. At the heart of the exhibition is a new iteration of "Come Home Again." This work, initially inspired by Devlin's observations of endangered species in London, has been expanded to include animals and plants from both London and Seoul. It incorporates drawings, spoken narratives, and choral recordings, extending the exhibition's discourse on presence to encompass both human and non-human elements. The participatory nature of the exhibition is further emphasized through "Collecti, " which invites visitors to contribute to the collective experience, underscoring Devlin's long-standing interest in what transpires when people gather in a shared space. The exhibition aims to foster a sense of collective experience and reflection on our relationship with the environment and each other.