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¡ã Tizo All believes that anyone can bring art into their lives. Photos courtesy KEAF |
“I don’t feel special as an artist because anyone can make their lives art.”
Those were the words of Tizo All, a Brazilian artist at the 12th Korea Experi-mental Arts Festival (KEAF), Dec. 18. The democratic nature of art is central to KEAF, an exposition of experimental arts that was born in Hongdae, Seoul in 2002. This year it expanded to Seogwipo, where various artists displayed their work from Dec. 17 to 23 following a four-day run in Hongdae.
In moving to Seogwipo, the event sought a change in its audience, even in its themes and approaches to the local surroundings. There were various performances at the beach, a tangerine farm and Seogwipo Olle Market, as well as street exhibitions on Lee Jung-seop Street. Artists from 15 countries also collaborated on a concert for peace with local Gangjeong residents which func-tioned as a bridge between artists and the local people.
For Brazilian All, one of art’s crucial roles is as a bridge to the people. It is not unusual for a novice to be a “mover” in his “Body Movers” workshop, where everyone, even locals without any artistic experience, are invited to explore and utilize their bodies through art. Beginning with small movements much like yoga poses, the artist led participants out of a small lecture room in Soam Memorial Hall to nature, which unfolded before them.
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¡ã KEAF are known for their improvised public performances. Photos courtesy KEAF |
The experience of exploring the body while interacting with nature marked a new manifestation of experimental art in Jeju and reflected the arts’ dedication to Jeju’s pristine nature and history, which began with mere small movements.
Despite the initial unfamiliarity of experimental art, the unique perfor-mances blurred the boundaries between artists and the public and brought art to the people in a novel style in Jeju’s unique setting. As a whole, the event was a great invitation for the public to enjoy the world of experimental art.
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