Stage Designer Es Devlin Brings Personal Exhibition Exploring Connection to Seoul

British visual artist Es Devlin, renowned for her large-scale stage designs for global music icons, is presenting her personal exhibition, "Third Poem: Es Devlin, Back Home," at Futura Seoul. The exhibition delves into the artist's inner world, moving beyond the spectacular stages she is known for, such as those created for U2, Beyoncé, and the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show.

“

Seventy percent of what I know comes from books, so I wanted to bring my library into the exhibition space.

"Seventy percent of what I know comes from books, so I wanted to bring my library into the exhibition space," Devlin stated at a press conference. The exhibition begins with "Infinite Library," an installation resembling a library filled with approximately 10,000 books. This leads visitors into "Mirror Maze," an environment of numerous mirrors where, instead of seeing their own reflections, they encounter the reflections of others.

Devlin explained the concept behind the "Mirror Maze," saying, "When we stand in front of a mirror, we prepare to see ourselves, but here, you see the image of another person. You will be delighted like a child by the sight of yourself mixed with others." Following this, visitors encounter "Line of Light," an installation using light, "Screen Share," which displays sketches Devlin has made over 30 years, and "Back Home," an installation weaving together drawings, voices, and choruses of creatures encountered in London and Seoul.

“

When we stand in front of a mirror, we prepare to see ourselves, but here, you see the image of another person. You will be delighted like a child by the sight of yourself mixed with others.

A unique interactive element in the exhibition involves a paper-covered table where visitors can draw the faces of strangers seated opposite them. Devlin expressed a hope that this experience would foster connection, stating, "When we speak, we express opposing opinions and experience division. I hope everyone has the special experience of looking into someone's eyes silently for 15 minutes, without knowing their political views, religion, or which sports team they support."

“

When we speak, we express opposing opinions and experience division. I hope everyone has the special experience of looking into someone's eyes silently for 15 minutes, without knowing their political views, religion, or which sports team they support.