KMK: Jeju Island Genius Loci

Jeju Island Genius Loci is one of the highlights of Phoenix Island. The building is the creation of Japanese architect Tadao Ando. He’s the man also behind the Modern Art Museum of Forth Worth, the Benetton Communication Research Center, The Church of Water, Naoshima Contemporary Art Museum, and the Museum of Wood.

The building like it’s companion Glass House melds nature with a man made structure without marring the beauty of the natural surroundings. It’s a wonder to behold. There’s a reflecting pool that ripples with the wind. The water gate is a passageway between two waterfalls that leads to the galleries inside.

Gallery number one houses the work Diary by Kyungwon Moon. It depicts a tree constantly shedding its leaves. She has studied at Ehwa Women’s University, California Institute of the Arts, and Yonsei University. The piece didn’t really speak to me on any level.

Gallery number two houses Sky Recorded Today. It’s a media installation piece where the sky is projected on the floor in a circular shape. The audience sees the film a day later. It’s supposed to present the viewer with the perspective of a building viewing the sky. I found it much more involving and interesting than the first.

Gallery number three houses Now Recording SEOPJI another medial installation piece that presents the viewer with a real time projection of Sungsan Ilchool Peak. Like the first this pieced didn’t do much for me either.

Still, the facility itself is what matters.  I think you’ll enjoy Genius Loci. It’s contemplative Zen masterpiece where you can reflect upon your past lives.