London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Uncertain States: a second look

Peter Corbishley also pays a visit to the photographic show in Commercial Road

Alerted by LKL, it was a pleasant surprise, on my way back from eating Korean food in New Malden, to pop into Photo Space at the bottom of the road where I live. Two Korean photographers, Jo Seong-hee and Park Ju-young, are currently participating in Uncertain States, a group show at Photo-Space Gallery, 530 Commercial Road, London E1 0HY (Near Limehouse DLR). The exhibition is part of Photomonth, the East London photography festival taking place in over 85 galleries and spaces in East London with more than 150 exhibitions and events during October and November. http://2009.photomonth.org/listings/

Park Ju-young: Adam and Eve
Juyoung Park: Adam and Eve

The two Korean photographers whilst sharing a use of dark backgrounds draw on disparate themes. Juyoung Park’s personal identification with a photographic reading of biblical themes is shown in the display of only three of her photographs on this topic. [A little book near the sign-in book gives the others.] For me the cleverest of those on display is that of Adam and Eve with the apple displayed on the lid of an ‘apple’ computer. And is it wifi-enabled? Clever, but also a beautifully photographed self-portrait, and is there is a touch of narcissism?

Seonghee Jo: Heron Quays panorama
Seonghee Jo: Heron Quays panorama

Seonghee Jo in contrast photographs nightscapes, some from the Barbican in the City and so not of the East End as such. But one is a stunning fusion of images centred on the station at Canary Wharf. It is a particular pleasure therefore to have a local East End lightmark recognised by a photographer based across London in the more domesticated environs of New Malden itself.

Uncertain States continues until 28 November

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