Shin Kiwoun: Illusion of Permanence is now On View at Gallery Chang - New York
The title Illusion of Permanence highlights the fragile and often deceptive nature of what we perceive to be permanent. Shin Kiwoun’s artistic practice revolves around slow transformation—physically eroding objects over time, often through mechanical or elemental forces. Through this process, he dismantles symbols of power and authority such as coins, statues, and busts—objects that typically claim to stand the test of time.
In the works presented, viewers will encounter sculptural elements that have been ground down over hours and video documentation of iconic materials being worn away. These acts of removal are not merely destructive, but meditative and revelatory—raising questions about durability, memory, and symbolic value in a rapidly changing world.
“I use time as a tool to scratch away the surface of power. Permanence is not a fact, but a structure of belief. By gradually wearing down symbolic objects–portraits of authority, currency, commemorative forms– I reveal how easily they can be erased. This process is not just about destruction; it is a ritualistic act that asks the viewer to consider the tension between belief and fragility. In an age where digital images disappear in 24 hours, I juxtapose the speed of deletion with the illusion of material endurance to question how we remember.” -Shin Kiwoun
The show runs August 7th - 12th, 2025, with an artist talk on August 8th at 6:00 PM.