For the first time, the Austrian artist group Jürgen Kleft presented their substantial art practice in Korea. Their solo show transformed the Ligak Museum of Art in Cheonan into a landscape in form of a large-scale diorama. In this setting the enigmatic figure of the SHELLPUNK emerged as both the main act and overriding theme of the show. He first appeared last autumn in the context of a frenzied fashion show, as a seemingly contradictory synthesis of nature and technology, desire and predictability.
According to Jürgen Kleft, SHELLPUNK is not a mere figment of the imagination but an actual phenotype lingering among us. He looks to nature for liberation, prepares himself for the apoca- lypse, finds himself in opposition to society while dragging its achievements around with him like a modern fetish.
Nestled within a ceramic landscape, the opening blured the boundaries between symposium and fashion while an enthralling performance blossoms like a curious spring flower. The viewer is free to observe the action in panoramic wide-angle from a safe distance, from the gallery above in bird- seye view or venture into the environment like an audacious explorer to investigate and experience the essence of SHELLPUNK. A tent stands the middle of the FIREGARDEN for the invited guests of the opening night to use for a symposium. The panel becomes the podium and vice versa. From the outset the group views the tent as the pivot of their work. Here in Cheonan, Jürgen Kleft unleashes the source of Dionysian and stimulating energies.
Ligak Museum of Art
Jürgen Kleft
SHELLPUNK: Fire Gargen Opening
April 2nd till May 30th
Dongnan-gu, Chungcheongnam-do, Cheonan
Yuryang-dong 245
