The Art Sonje Center is pleased to announce, “Live in the Lobby”, an evening of progressive independent music featuring some of Seoul’s most vibrant emerging and established performers.  In keeping with Art Sonje’s spirit of artistic innovation, this evening makes use of the ground floor – an area where the lobby, bookstore, lounge and a restaurant were once located – which currently sits halfway between demolition and renovation.  “Live in the Lobby” seeks to respond to the transitional quality of this space in presenting an energetic evening of music, sound and performance that will present new and revitalized ways of working within the space of the museum.

Considering our recent programming (such as 6 – 8 and the Banner Project, both of which challenge conventional expectations around how to use and view works in the context of the museum), this event promises to extend into new communities while also challenging existing perceptions about the nature of the gallery or museum as a white cube or neutral space.

The Line-up for this event features luminaries of Korea’s independent music scene who have close affinities to the contemporary art community, such as Yamagata Tweakster, ByungJun Kwon, Taehyun Choi, Trampauline, Active Pass, The Morning Glory. As you can see from the dynamic line-up, Live in the Lobby has the potential to draw upon Art Sonje’s existing patrons and regular visitors while also introducing new communities of independent music fans to contemporary art and activities.

-WITH PERFORMANCES BY

Yamagata Tweekster is a renowned and internationally acclaimed musician whose elaborate performances enter into the territory of performance art and theater as much as they dip into the experimental soundscapes of independent electro-acoustic music production.  He has toured internationally, has a huge following of fans in Seoul and has also opened for many international acts, further establishing his reputation as one of Seoul’s most established and engaging performers.

ByungJun Kwon is an artist often collaborating with a new generation of sound artists. He works with custom electronics, prepared instruments, circuit bending and synthesizers and his atmospheric sound generators and collaborative performances are featured in Art Sonje’s current exhibition 6-8.

Taehyun Choi is perhaps best known for his work in the duo Kuang Program, whose energetic performances have captured the attention of the independent music community.  This concert affords an opportunity for Choi to further explore his solo work, which tends to combine cathartic post punk and noise in riveting performances.  Choi regularly collaborates with artists and art collectives, further bridging the contemporary art and music communities.

Trampauline are an established group of strong female musicians whose expert playing and catchy grooves blend 80s synth pop with contemporary electronic influences.  They are a staple of the independent music scene and have garnered rave reviews from their growing fan-base.

Active Pass is the recording pseudonym of contemporary visual artist Paul Kajander’s first solo recording project.  He recently participated in the residency program at the National Art Studio, Changdong. His work has been featured in the REAL DMZ PROJECT 2013:Borderline and in the inaugural Banner Project at Art Sonje Center(2013).

The Morning Glory  is a duo of emerging musicians, Suhee Yoon and Suyeon Lee, established in November, 2013. With two red guitars, they sing the transience of love. Suhee Lee also worked collaboratively with ByungJun Kwon in the collective “Lee Ak”.

-VISUAL CONTRIBUTION BY

Ryan Rivadeneyra is a contemporary visual artist currently in residence at the Seoul Art Space Geumcheon Residency.  His work engages with issues around narrative and representation. Rivadeneyra will contribute subtle interventions in the atmosphere of the event.