The term “ham(咸)” embodies the essence of ‘togetherness’ in Korean, resonating deeply with the Chinese character for "feeling" (感). "Ham" is the 31st gua (hexagram) in the timeless classic, the Book of Changes (周易, I Ching). "Ham" embodies the harmony of artistry, love, and marriage, epitomizing the harmony inherent in all existence. Ham (咸): Sentient Beings makes a pertinent enquiry into the trajectory of contemporary art and its potential synergy with our thoughts.
For this exhibition, Hakgojae Gallery has selected three Korean artists: Nam June PAIK (1932-2006), YUN Suknam (1939-), and KIM Gil-hu (1961-). Nam June PAIK is said to have enjoyed reading I Ching in his later years. The values presented in "ham" are significant. The exhibition features his W3, composed of 64 TV monitors, which anticipates the future internet world; Sfera-Punto Elettronico, which honors the value of global harmony established at the World Cup in Italy after the end of the Cold War; Internet Dweller, which reflects the artist's belief that the universalization of the internet will construct a world of human equality. YUN Suknam, a prominent figure in East Asian feminist art, presents the work where she carved the shape of stray dogs onto discarded trees and completes them by drawing with ink, implying equality between humans and animals. Equipped with versatile skills and creativity, KIM Gil-hu seeks to pursue a new form of painting suitable for this era." He believes that one can find Tathāgata (如來) in the true pursuit of painting. It is already embedded within us.
'Sentient beings' is synonymous with 'living beings.' The concept was introduced by the Australian philosopher Peter Singer (1946-), where he argues that we must move beyond anthropocentric humanism. He suggests that all beings capable of sensing the external world should be treated as having inherent value regardless of their species. Therefore, the "ham" gua says:
"As the universe feels together, all things live together, and the Sage inspires people's hearts, so the whole world is at peace."
