Throughout his artistic career, Korean contemporary artist Choe U-Ram has sought to establish a meaningful connection between machinery and art, imbuing his kinetic sculptures with history, narrative, and even personality. His engagement with mechanical art is deeply rooted in the history of modern Korea during the 1970s, a period marked by rapid industrialization and a cultural fascination with technology. This era saw the rise of robots in popular media such as cartoons and films, often depicted as part of a defensive mechanism against the threat of North Korea. In this talk, Choe will reflect on how he developed his identity as a “mechanic-artist” during this tumultuous time, positioning his machines as mediums through which to explore human desires, anxieties, and hopes.
The talk will be followed by a discussion between Choe and Solomon G. Diamond, Associate Professor of Engineering and Co-Director of the Design Initiative at 911 (DIAD). Drawing on Professor Diamond’s extensive experience as co-director of DIAD, the two will examine the evolving relationship between humans and machines in the contemporary era, with a particular focus on ethical and philosophical approaches to technology. The conversation will also delve into the programs and tools Choe has skillfully employed in his practice, highlighting the engineering mechanisms behind his works.
