Seung Woo Back, who hails from Taejon, South Korea, created a two part series of photographs which finds fabricated miniatures juxtaposed with real-life locations. In the series "Real World 1" the artist visited Aiisworld Amusement Park in Seoul and photographed their miniature versions of world landmarks. Back included the South Korean buildings behind the model cities to accentuate his main theme of the culture clash between the East and the West. It is difficult to discern any differences between the modern buildings at first. After careful inspection, it becomes clear that the structures in the foreground are fabrications due to their streamlined appearance. The city of Seoul becomes a spectator, as it looms behind the miniature buildings. Back's images have a brilliant, surreal quality to them. In some views, icons from different cultures overlap and compete for a space within the frame. The World Trade Center stands near the London Bridge, and traditional Asian ships drift in the waters nearby. "Real World 2" is equally powerful. The large color scenes, set in real life locations, are populated by little toy soldiers. The images are strikingly beautiful, and it can take some time before the viewer notices the presence of the soldiers. Against their surroundings, toy men are dwarfed, and their battles are rendered insignificant. This latter series relates more to the individual forming his own identity separate from that of the larger group. I admire how Seung Woo Back can create such a statement about culture by adjusting the lens, allowing Seoul to creep in behind. The city, as well as the country, are unwitting spectators in this series.
www.artrabbit.com/features/features/september_2007/abandoned_protocol
www.foiltokyo.com/gallery/eg/past/realworldexhibitioneg.html
www.english.ganaart.com/exhibition/2008062/biography.02.html
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