Jae Gyu KIM Ceramic Artist

Special Exhibitions 2017 Happy Zoo?!
Duration : November 23 (Thursday), 2017 ~ March 25 (Sunday), 2018
Place : Gallery 2 & 3, World Ceramic Center
Capacity : 110 works by 30 artists
Featuring 110 works about familiar animals by 30 artists, the exhibition is an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the diverse expressive styles of contemporary ceramics, think about the dignity of life, and ponder the coexistence of humans and animals.
Can animals that have lived together with humans for a long time be happy? The special exhibition Happy Zoo?! sheds light on sociocultural stories involving animals through ceramic artworks. One of the high profile social issues today involves animals kept as pets. They make humans feel more secure and comfortable. The number of pets nationwide is now around 10 million, and some ninety thousand are abandoned every year. Countless domesticated animals are raised in terrible conditions as food for humans. What is more, millions of animals are used in experiments to improve and advance human health, and species of animals are endangered or pushed into extinction due to indiscreet land development. 

What should we do for these animals? This exhibition reflects on our perception of nature as something to be conquered and utilized, and then urges us to consider living creatures as important and to respect life. It is presented in two sections. Section 1 features animals of various shapes that impart warm feelings. Section 2 displays works that inspire us to find ways for animals and humans to be happy together in harmony. We hope that the visitors appreciate the diverse works about animals, think about the dignity of life once again, and then ponder coexistence of humans and animals.

Section 1: Welcoming New Family Members
Section 2: Dreaming of a World Where We Are Happier Together