The New Wave of the Photography
The New Wave of the Photography, Brochure, 1988, MMCA Art Research Center Collection

The New Wave of the Photography

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The New Wave of Photography was a major exhibition in the history of Korean photography curated by Koo Bohnchang and held from May 18 to June 17 in 1988 at the Walker Hill Art Center in Seoul. Kim Daesoo, Lee Kyuchul, Lee Ju-yong, Lim Youngkyun, Choi Kwangho, Ha Bongho, Han Okran, and Koo Bohnchang participated in the exhibition. They were all emerging artists who were either studying abroad or had returned from studying abroad. In The New Wave of Photography exhibition, they sought to experiment with various forms freed from the conventional practices of documentary or straight photography. Koo Bohnchang, Kim Daesoo, and Lee Ju-yong tried new modes of expression by applying painterly and manual processes to photographic emulsions and prints; Lee Kyuchul presented a three-dimensional installation of spherical sculpture created by stitching together photographs; and Choi Kwangho connected the corners of the exhibition space with dozens of high-contrast black-and-white photographs reflecting his personal memories and stretched them out like a long horizontal line. Their attempts were hailed for the experimental spirit of the young generation, whereas they were criticized for their irresponsibility in introducing formats indiscriminately and weakening the nature of the photographic medium. Despite the differing views on the exhibition, The New Wave of Photography was one important signal marking the opening of contemporary Korean photography. It is also significant in that it formed the intersection of art and photography in the 1990s and changed the status of photography within the art system.
* Source: MMCA

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