Han Jin-Sub: 'Animal Sculpture'
Solo Exhibition of Han Jin-Sub

April 25 - May 8, 2007
Insa Art Center

Animal Sculpture

Han Jin-Sub blows warmth into the cold stones. Sentimental as it may seem, the trust, respect and love towards human kind is what makes Han's works warm. The work, which shows us the beauty of coexistence through the images of humans supporting each other and relying on each other, construct a solid fortress of humanly love where hatred, mistrust, betrayal and attack have no chance of interfering. The negative view that humans cannot be understood nor trusted sometimes provides a clue to shed light on the essence of the human being, however, the view that humans are good and noble is also an important part of human nature. Han Jin-Sub tries to see the true nature of human beings according to the latter viewpoint.

The artist who expressed the good human standing on the earth, now goes on to express the forms of animals while maintaining a warm gaze towards the world. There is no food chain in this animal world that is based on survival of the fittest. This world is not a bloody kingdom of survival where beasts like lions or tigers rule, but rather a republic where all animals live in equality and safety. The animals in this world are all free and peaceful. The spirit that flows through this peaceful land of the animals is one of concord. We can read the artist's belief that harmony begins with acknowledging differences. The generous mind which recognizes the reality in order to suture together parties in conflict comes not from dwelling in the unjust reality or concealing it, but from being tolerant and trusting. Through the citizens of the land of animals, Han is saying that trust is a strong fortress to safeguard harmony. Hence, this "strange land of animals" is definitely not a zoo, where humans indulge in the "pleasures of watching" as they lock animals in cages and through them food. Since this land is a metaphor of the utopia we pursue, there is nothing strange about seeing the animals¯the citizens of this country¯in the image of us humans. Veneration to all who love peace and coexistence!

from "The Land of Animals: Fortress of Trust and Harmony"
Choi Tae-Man (Art Critic)