BTS' global fans express love and support for K-pop group through art
The Presence In Absence: The Art Of BTS Chapter 2 exhibition has brought together works by 20 fan artists from 13 countries, including Belarus, Chile, Iran and Ukraine. Many of the works are digital paintings, while some were created with graphite or ink.
Dr Yvette Wohn, an associate professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology, who co-curated the exhibition, has been painting RM since the pandemic. She was seeking meaning in life aside from her career, which involves studying the characteristics and consequences of social interactions in online environments.
'Fan art is a form of love language. People express love in different ways depending on their personality and skill set. Throughout history, artists have been inspired by other artists across genres of music, literature and more.'
She added: 'I think there is a negative bias against all types of fan activities as something that is low-brow, but from a philosophical perspective, I feel that fan art is a wholesome expression of love.'
Ms Seo Ji-eun is founder of the art consulting firm Jesper and co-curator of the exhibition. She said when she contacted fan artists through social media, most of those who had a following were favourable to the idea of a fan art show. Visitors to the exhibition included those hoping to see particular artists they like, she said.
'I did not expect visitors from such a wide range of countries. It was quite surprising. BTS fans from nearly 25 countries have visited so far,' she said. Ms Seo added that many of them were in Seoul for BTS Festa and BTS member Jin's concert that takes place on June 28 and 29.
'Koreans might take it for granted as they are already familiar with K-pop idol culture, but the power of BTS is truly incredible. Around 95 per cent of the visitors are foreigners and their impact goes far beyond just the economic benefits from travelling, shopping and food while they are in South Korea.
'Culturally, it is huge. So many of them are learning Korean because of BTS,' she said.
The exhibition runs until June 29 at Taxa Seoul in Seongdong-gu, northern Seoul. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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