[Sports Seoul | Hyo won Kim] “The joy of my work comes from using augmented reality technology to deliver new artistic experiences!”
Joon Yong Moon, 39, son of President Moon Jae-in, is making waves with his solo exhibition ‘Chasing Stars in Shadow’ held at ‘Studio KKI’ in Paju, Gyeonggi-do from November 20 to 29.
When the reporter visited the exhibition on the afternoon of the 28th, there was a long line of families waiting to enter. Nearly 500 visitors came that day, an unusually high number for a fine art exhibition. Visitors, after completing temperature checks and registration, entered in groups of 20 to view the exhibition. Many also took the opportunity to have their photos taken with the artist.
‘Chasing Stars in Shadow’ is part of Moon’s ongoing ‘Augmented Shadow’ series. This latest work features six shadow children planting trees, picking stars, creating doors in walls, and setting sail on adventures, all depicted through augmented shadows. Golden fish caught by the children float around the space, creating a fantastical world.
Visitors who register in advance can carry a special lamp to experience the augmented shadows firsthand. Following the gestures of the shadow children with the lamp, which is equipped with a position-tracking sensor, new adventures unfold. The augmented reality becomes even more vivid when viewed through a smartphone camera in video mode. The transformation of flat shadows into three-dimensional figures is awe-inspiring.
This work utilizes Moon’s patented ‘viewpoint tracking anamorphic’ technology, which processes video to reflect the moving light source in augmented reality, making flat images appear three-dimensional.
In an interview at the exhibition, Moon said, “I have been continuously working on ‘shadow augmented reality’ for 10 years. The key is to make it as realistic as possible. Since developing the ‘viewpoint tracking anamorphic’ technology in 2018, I have been trying out various new projects. This time, the core idea is that shadows can also appear three-dimensional. Shadows bend around walls to look as if they are standing, which is a natural phenomenon from the light’s perspective. Capturing the moment from the light’s angle makes flat images appear three-dimensional, which is the theme of this work.”
Moon emphasized storytelling to effectively convey his themes. The shadow story, which transitions from flat to three-dimensional, depicts children coming out from the walls and embarking on space adventures. It took a full year to conceptualize and complete the work, requiring numerous revisions to align the story with the technology to create a high-quality piece of media art that resonates with the public.
Moon explained, “Initially, the shadows and fish are flat. The fish are on the floor, and the shadows are on the walls. Then, the shadow catches the fish, lifting it into the air, leading the shadows to draw pictures, move stairs, and create doors before finally traveling into space. Unlike the previous exhibition at Keumsan Gallery, which focused on realistic depictions, this one has a fantasy storybook theme, making it more enjoyable. Some visitors have mentioned it’s a healing experience during the pandemic, which I appreciate.”
Exploring storytelling has revealed numerous possibilities for future projects, he noted. “With a strong story, there are many ways to expand. A film industry contact suggested inviting me to international film festivals. Media art and film are different fields, but I’d like to introduce media art to the film industry.”
Moon earned his bachelor’s degree in visual design from Konkuk University and a master’s degree from Parsons School of Design in New York. He began his career as an artist in 2010 and has been working in media art for over a decade. Fellow media artists describe him as “a good artist who blends fresh ideas with warm sensibility.” Despite his achievements, Moon often faces controversy due to his status as the president’s son.
Moon shared, “The public’s attention can be burdensome. It’s difficult, but I work hard because I don’t want to complain. It can be a motivation as well, despite the pressure.”
Having been an artist for over ten years, Moon feels he now has a clearer direction. “Previously, I did whatever I wanted, but now I think about strategy. I also strive to work regularly and diligently because consistent effort is necessary for longevity. It’s important to use new technology not just for novelty but to create new emotional experiences through art. Rather than aspiring to be a certain type of artist, I aim to continue working steadily and sincerely on my projects.”
eggroll@sportsseoul.com
- Newspaper: Sports Seoul
- URL: https://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/1080388
- Publication Date: 2021/11/29
- Author: Hyo Won Kim