The "JUST DECORATION" exhibition is a playful, conceptual exploration of "lobby art" and the blurred lines between fine art and interior decoration. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, and often challenging "snobbish" art interpretations that dismiss artworks exhibited in hotels as less serious or valuable, these pieces can blend into the environment, prompting you to question whether they are mere decoration or retain their artistic essence, often carrying strong social critiques and profound underlying concepts. Ultimately, this collection invites an ironic contemplation of how art is perceived outside traditional spaces, subverting elitist notions and challenging conventional definitions of beauty and utility.
JUST DECORATION
acrylic on extruded plastic 50 x 120 cm A clothing tag as a work of art? One side of this double-sided acrylic painting features a "JUST DECORATION" logo, imitating a real brand tag. The reverse displays the artwork's price in various currencies, just like on an authentic product label. In this case, the product is the label itself. This forces the viewer to confront the monetary value assigned to art, much as they would with a consumer product. The use of multiple currencies subtly hints at global markets and the universal language of commerce. The rougher surface, created with thick paint dots, adds a tactile dimension that contrasts with the smooth, mass-produced feel of a real clothing tag. It highlights the handmade, artistic effort behind the piece, even as it imitates something commercial. This "pop" artwork's texture provides a direct contrast to Byung-Chul Han's "smooth pop" philosophy. The philosopher often uses the concept of "smooth pop" (pleasantly agreeable and straightforward) to critique contemporary consumer culture and the superficiality of art. The "Size L" marking is a subtle irony. It directly copies a commercial standard, but in an artistic context, it suggests a series or a scalable product.