Masterful Attention Seekers explores various ways of acquiring and maintaining attention in today’s society, from the perspective of contemporary art. Going beyond the somewhat hyperbolic Korean term “Gwanjong (attention-seeking breed)” of the title, the exhibition examines the pursuit of attention not just as an individual issue but as a fundamental aspect of society with which we all must contend. Here, we shed light on the strategies used to garner attention across assorted domains, including art, advertising, and politics, and delve into the conflicts, contradictions, and creativity that can often arise.
The exhibition provides an opportunity to reflect on how far we are prepared to go to obtain attention and how much of ourselves we may lose in the process; to contemplate our own, intrinsic values and the ways of life to which we truly aspire. We offer the chance to ponder how one should live and build a meaningful existence within the pressures of contemporary society, in which, to some extent at least, being an attention seeker seems prerequisite.
*We imagined each of the 23 artists as a brand and gave them their own identity. Reflecting the personalities of the artists and the nature of their works, these logos embody the fad of attention seekers and attention seeking behavior where everyone has become a brand.