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 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. 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.
AURA x IRCAM PARIS
AURA was presented as part of a speech at the IRCAM Forum Workshop, where I shared the conceptual and technical development of the piece with an international audience of researchers and artists.
This project was developed in collaboration with Korean sound artist Seungjun Oh, and explores the intersection of sound and immersive visuals through audio-reactive systems.
By translating sonic elements into dynamic visual forms in real time, AURA creates a synesthetic experience that invites audiences to feel the intangible presence of sound as a living entity within space.