Weekender In Darkness There Is Light
Awareness Raising Exhibition Offers New Perspective
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
It's no secret that most people rely heavily on sight for perception. In different cultures across the world, vision-obscuring darkness has long worn a negative connotation - as a symbol of fear, ignorance and the unknown, and things ominous, morbid and evil.
An uncanny globe-trotting exhibition from Germany, however, challenges the long-held bias against the dark.
Dialogue in the Dark, now catering to curious crowds in Seoul, invites people to "switch off the sight, switch on the insight" by stepping into a world without light.
Small groups of visitors are led through different settings ― walking along a busy city street, sitting down at a park bench, exploring an open-air market and even going on a boat ride ― in the pitch dark. Only a walking stick and a guide who's mastered the floor plan of the hall are there to help.
In other words, it's an awareness raising project that enables participants to step into the shoes of the visually impaired.
For this reporter it was one of the most groundbreaking multisensory experiences one could ever have, or imagine, with the eyes shut and the mind fully awake.
(If it's hard to imagine, think of listening to your favorite music with your eyes closed ― many people do this naturally because the act actually heightens your sense of hearing).
In the interest of full disclosure, I must reveal the fact that I am claustrophobic, and this fear is most likely related to having been once stuck in a tiny closet with a broken light bulb. The air was tight and it was pitch black ― it was a nightmare.
As I stepped into the exhibition hall and the light faded behind me, I desperately felt along the wall with my left palm while my right knuckles turned white from gripping the walking stick too hard. A cold sweat ran down my back.
I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, telling myself this was no closet, and that no visitor over the age of eight has given up the tour. (Visitors are advised to keep their close eyes, as trying to see in the dark will fatigue them).
Before I could relapse into a state of panic however I was distracted by a faint scent of goldcrest, and felt the ground beneath me turn soft like grass.
Moreover, I felt a warm hand upon my arm. "It's OK," a voice said, as it encouraged me to imagine where and what I was doing, and to voice my thoughts.
In the dark I discovered a place of warmth, where one could speak freely and call out for help without hesitation. It was a world of lightness in every sense of the word ― one that was free of uncomfortable glances or judgmental eyes.
Light does indeed shine brightest in the dark.
Bumping into someone on the street, especially in a busy metropolis as Seoul, usually invites frowns and even crude remarks. But here, it inspired a smile and "jeong," or a sense of camaraderie, that you were not alone in the dark.
A group of college friends were seen taking a picture in the lobby after the tour last Saturday. "I really enjoyed it. I was surprised at how much fun it was," said Kim Jung-eun, beaming with a smile. A camera is installed in the lobby for photos, which can be downloaded online.
Han Soomin, a gallery curator, said she had once been to a Blind Cafe in Switzerland, where diners sit down to relish surprise meals in the dark. "At the blind cafe I was able to savor the food and concentrate on eating the meal together with my companions. Dialogue in the Dark was similar in that it heightened your senses other than sight and inspired communicating with others, but it allowed more room for imagination."
Launched in Frankfurt, Germany in 1988, Dialogue in the Dark has toured other parts of Europe, Asia and the Americas, across 150 cities in 25 countries. Some 6 million people in different corners of the world have experienced it.
Korea is now the ninth country after Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan and the United States and China (Hong Kong), among others, to have a permanent exhibition hall.
"Dialogue in the Dark enables people to positively accept the difference between the visible world and the invisible world, and furthermore, strives to reduce social prejudices," said Song Young-hee, head of the local exhibition organizer NHN Social Enterprise.
"In the extremity of darkness, which branches off physical relationships between people, people can experience mutual dependence and consideration," said Song.
Tours take place every 15 minutes, each 90 minutes long for a maximum of eight people. Admission costs 30,000 won for adults and 20,000 won for children. Discounts are available for groups. Call (02) 313-9977 or visit www.dialogueinthedark.co.kr. Located near Sinchon Station, subway line 2, exit 3.
Explore Something Different
Recreations for the Visually Impaired
Visual impairment should not stop individuals from enjoying fun recreational activities such as bowling, hiking, swimming and even rollerblading. Siloam Welfare Center for the Blind in Seoul offers classes year-round.
The center also offers yoga, pottery and music courses where people can learn to play instruments. There are also ski camps and bowling competitions. Most of the classes are free of charge. Call (02) 880-0520 or visit www.siwel.or.kr (Korean).
Nowon Welfare Center for the Blind in Seoul boasts a sizeable library of Braille books. It has regularly provided narrative services for musical performances and movie screenings. There aren't any scheduled at the moment but the center offers various activities for blind people and their family and friends. Visit www.nowonblind.or.kr.
Tune Into Visionary Music
The Hearts of Vision Chamber Orchestra, comprising entirely of visually impaired musicians, has been performing to rave reviews since launching in 2007.
The ensemble's music director is none other than clarinetist Lee Sang-jae. The Korea Nazarene University professor was the first visually impaired person to earn a Ph.D at the prestigious Peabody Institute in the United States.
Violinist Kim Goung-hoon, whose talents took him to study abroad in Berlin despite his physical disability, is the concertmaster. The orchestra features other talented musicians, including seven principal players and 11 members.
The orchestra has been invited to perform in Japan and the Tongyeong International Music Festival, one of the major music events in Korea. It also gives regular concerts.
To learn more about the orchestra visit www.hvco.or.kr.
Buy Books to Help
Publishing company Minumsa is hosting a campaign to help produce Braille books. Buy a book published by Minumsa Group (Minumsa, Science Books, Golden Bough and Biryongso) online at www.kyobobook.co.kr, and part of the proceeds will go to a fund to print 5,000 books in Braille.