AURA - Junghyun Kim, Seungjun Oh
Presentation by: Junghyun Kim, Seungjun Oh
Biography Junghyun Kim
[AURA]
The loss of Aura.
Philosopher Walter Benjamin argued that aura exists only in the historical uniqueness and authenticity that nature and work of arts provide, and aura is lost with the reproduction of works of art. However, since the industrial revolution, we have continued to live in that world of reproduction. Van Gogh's one-of-a-kind <Starry Night> can now be viewed not only in numerous art museums but also found as interior decorations in restaurants, and it is, in fact, stuck up on a wall in my room as well. Having Gogh's work of art being used as an exhibition piece, an interior decoration piece, and a personal inspiration piece, we are directed towards creative advancement. This, however, destroys the uniqueness and aura of the original, unfortunately. As such, with the increase in exhibition value, aura is collapsed.
But is this negative?
We experience aura most in nature. Many artists use different forms of expression in a try to capture the aura of nature. If so, do we have to view this as a [reproduction] of nature within the set standard of a canvas? Or is it the [Aura] in an independent work of art?
Beginning this project from this point of uncertainty, I intended to [reproduce] another form of aura within the aura found in the [uniqueness] of nature.
Selecting the elements in nature that I felt the strongest aura in, I started my work on the sunset, forest, wave, and sand. Through detailed research on the color of each element, I planned to express their aura. However, nature does not produce the same colors repetitively. Their colors vary depending on the environment and conditions in nature. I planned to express this more extensively through the gradation of color.
Moreover, nature does not remain still. It continuously moves fluidly. To replicate this as much as possible, I worked on a video to best represent the colors and constant movements. As the sun slowly sets, the soft shine of the sunset; how the wind blows through the forest while you watch from inside; the tranquil movement of water in a calm sea or river; every grain that makes up the sand that moves. I have researched the movement found in each element and wondered how to combine it with my work on color.
To connect the concept of media art with experimental music, we explore various methods to evoke the essence of aura, nature, and reproduction through sound.
Much like how the colors of nature vary depending on the environment and conditions, we introduce changes in rhythm, tempo, and melody to reflect the dynamic and constantly evolving aspects of nature. We aim to achieve this through electronic music techniques such as particle synthesis, where we repeat and manipulate small sound fragments to create shifting textures and patterns. To emphasize the notion of uniqueness, we integrate elements of variation and spontaneity into the music. By experimenting with aleatoric techniques or randomness, we introduce unpredictable elements into the composition, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the natural world.
We enhance the visual experience of media art by synchronizing the music with accompanying video. Aligning musical events with visual cues such as changes in color, motion, or composition, we create a cohesive audiovisual narrative. By weaving together these elements, we can create a multimedia experience that encapsulates the essence of aura, nature, and reproduction, prompting the audience to contemplate the interconnectedness of art, authenticity, and the ever-changing beauty of nature.