Ryan Gander twists modernism with 'softness'

Ryan Gander’s “A Moving Object, or Sticky work” (2017) / Courtesy of Gallery Hyundai

By Kwon Mee-yoo

British artist Ryan Gander sits in a wheelchair next to his sculpture “Y gem (My neotonic contribution to Modernism)” on display at Gallery Hyundai in central Seoul. / Courtesy of Gallery Hyundai

Modernism was the most progressive movement in the society back in the late 19th century. However, decades have passed and the newness of modernism has faded. British conceptual artist Ryan Gander challenges the outdated idea of modernism and breathes new life into the movement with “softness” at “Soft Modernism” exhibit at Gallery Hyundai in Seoul.

This is Gander's first solo exhibition in Korea and most of the 30 works on display are his latest ones created for the Seoul exhibit. Titled "Soft Modernism," the exhibit is a reflection of what modernism means in this "weird" era.

"Historically, art movements are very useless," Gander, 43, said at a press conference on March 30.

The works feature a wide range of materials from faux fur balls and bronze to mirrors and flip-dot panels. Although these works look very different, Gander asserts they are not different at all.

"Conceptually, they are all about the same subject. I just look through different perspectives," the artist said. "Traditionally artists usually practice one thing. But in this world that is changing faster and wilder, if you have interesting ideas, it's boring to stay on one."

He has physical disabilities as well as color blindness, but such disabilities do not matter for Gander as an artist. Being color blind, Gander prefers solid color or black and white, but he has no difficulties in using color with the help of his family and assistants. “I'm interested in visual language," Gander said in a wheelchair.

The exhibit spans three floors of the gallery. On the basement floor are artworks related to the politics of modernism.

"We live in an era with so many political problems and people are obsessed with themselves, mirrors and selfies," Gander said. "It is not making images of ourselves, but ideas of ourselves."

In "Self Development Portrait ― the artist made up as a zombie by Adrian Rigby," Gander compares self-absorbed modern people to zombies, individually-minded creatures who act without consequences.

Works on the first floor are related to education and Gander collaborated with his two daughters. "People learn throughout their lives and the ground floor is about principles of education. Learning is about self-discovery ― finding something you don't expect."

On the floor are realistic sculptures of melting ice cream, titled "A Moving Object" series. In fact these playful objects made of bronze and colored with enamel paint, throw the question of what good art is and Gander's answer is that good art should be associated with investigation and experimentation.

Ryan Gander's "Group Portrait ― The Artist in the act of experimenting with self image production alongside Pierre Huyghe and Florian Ludde, The Japan Society, E 47th St, New York City, 3 May 2016" (2017) / Courtesy of Gallery Hyundai

He deconstructs modernism on the second floor. "It's the opposite side of daily life," Gander said.

"Lost in the complexity of a language of my own making" series ― consists of wooden structures framed in luxurious marble ― reflect how Gander changes conformity and mentality about values.

"Y gem (My neotonic contribution to Modernism)" are literally soft sculptures made of faux fur balls, which relates to the title of the exhibit. "Things with a straight edge look very abstract. I made it more figurative and it looks like a human or animal."

Gander thinks his neo-conceptual pieces work better in Asia. “For instance, the significance of a tea cup in Korea is larger than it is in Western countries. I feel these works belong here," the artist said.

"The most exciting thing about being an artist is that you can do anything. There are still masses of conformities even among artists, who are meant to be the most creative part of the society. It would be strange if 90 percent of art is hung on the wall. Art is meant to be investigation and experimentation."

The exhibit runs through May 7. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call 02-2287-3500.