Chaotic Harmony- contemporary Korean photography

TASK:

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http://www.lensculture.com/chaotic_harmony.html

http://mfah.org/exhibition.asp?par1=1&par2=1&par3=610&par4=1&currentPage=1&lgc=4&par6=1

Use the above links to look at the photos in the Chaotic Harmony. Select a piece of work that appeals to you the most and write a critique on it in your blog. Use the questions provided in the tasks section of this site to assist you.
Provide a brief biography and a link to more of their work.

Further the research on your chosen photographer:

What has inspired their work?  What are the ideas portrayed within their work?  How have these ideas been conveyed visually?  How does the work make you feel about Korean culture?

Compare this photographer to the contemporary photographers of our western culture.  Are there differences in the ideas or concepts in the work?  If so, how is the work of the Korean photographer different?  Why do you think this is the case?

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Chosen Work:

This photo is titled Tour Bus, by Sungsoo Koo. From the series Magical Reality (2005-2006), 2005. Chromogenic photograph. Courtesy of the artist © Sungsoo Koo

For more photos by Sungsoo Koo click here 

Questions:

1. The photographer's use of the design elements and principles

Sungsoo Koo uses mainly repetition and symmetry in his photographs. Many of his works often contain contrasting blue and red colours to make them stand out. He also often uses the rule or thirds and other design principles.

2. The intended purpose of the work- why did the photographer create it?  When was it created?  How was it created?

The purpose of the work, it seems, was to show urbanization withink North Korea, and to use repition of patters and colours to give the photograph a sense of harmony and rythym. Also to show how subtley chaotic south Korean life is. 
Tour bus, is a Chromogenic photograph.

3.Your personal response to the work.  Do you find it appealing?  Why/why not? Does the work appeal to a particular audience?  How do you think the photographer has done this?

 I found it appealing because of the colours and the symmetry in the photo and throughout the rest of the series. The work appeals to a younger audience because of the subjects in the photos. I believe the photographer has done this by photographing things with lots of colour and vibrance. 

4.Does the work remind you of anything?  

No. Maybe this is why I found it so appealing.

5. Do you think it was a response to something in particular?  For example, a cultural issue, an icon, a particular social/political need or issue?

I think it was a response to the social issue of urbanisation in south Korea.