Geumhyung Jeong: Under Construction

Geumhyung Jeong’s solo exhibition “Under Construction” at the ICA presents a newly commissioned installation of sculpture, video, and live performances. Drawing from her background in choreography and a deep interest in the interaction between objects and technology, Jeong uses her body alongside animatronic figures built from DIY parts, exploring the eerie relationships between humans and machines.

In previous works, Jeong has animated robots constructed from mechanical hardware, mannequins, and medical dummies. For this exhibition, she introduces human skeleton models as a key element. Through gestures and choreographed movements, she engages in a delicate dialogue with these robots, seen in both live performances and video installations.

Under Construction explores the evolving relationship between humans and machines through autonomous sculptures and documented performances. Jeong’s creations, more co-performers than objects, move awkwardly and human-like, prompting a sense of empathy from viewers. Her work offers a reflection on performative sculpture within institutions and technology’s role in modern capitalist society. It draws from Jeong’s youth in consumerist South Korea, addressing our intimate yet uneasy relationships with technology.