While strolling through Ikseon-dong in 2023, I came across a sculpture called Mello. This piece stands as a permanent gift to Korea from Steven Harrington, being installed in 2021. At that moment, I was completely astounded by the purpose behind this sculpture.
A year later (2024), I discovered that he would be debuting his first solo exhibition in Korea at the Amorepacific Museum of Art titled "Stay Mello.'' I was curious and decided to interview him about this exhibition and the permanent gift sculpture in Seoul. The exhibition is run from March 7 to July 14.
Harrington, recognized as a pioneer in the contemporary Californian psychedelic-pop aesthetic, is a Los Angeles-based artist renowned for his vibrant and iconic style. His diverse portfolio encompasses large-scale installations, hand-screened prints, limited-edition books and sculptures. Harrington has showcased his artwork in prominent cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Berlin, and most recently, he inaugurated his first solo exhibition in Seoul. He has also collaborated with NIKE, Coca-Cola, Medicom Toy and more.
The interview with him was carried out via email from March 12-15.
1. What prompted you to open your first exhibition in Seoul?
I have been in touch with the Amorepacific Museum of Art since 2019. I’ve enjoyed watching the museum grow quickly over the last several years, and we’ve had many conversations about the timing for this exhibition throughout the years. I couldn’t imagine a better time and venue to display these works for the first time as a complete collection.
Overall, I’m excited to be having my first museum solo exhibition in Korea. I’ve always looked up to the Korean Art World and I love the sensibilities within creativity and eye for curation in Seoul. This exhibition has been in development for years, and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I’m delighted to share these results with Seoul and I can’t wait to see the feedback.
2. Which of your artworks are being showcased in this exhibition, and what was the reason behind selecting these particular pieces?
I’m very aware that a majority of our audience may not be familiar with my work or even know who I am as an artist. With that in mind, I wanted to create an experience where the viewer get’s to know my work as they make their way through the exhibition.
As you walk into the first room, both the Amorepacific Museum of Art and I wanted to familiarize the viewer with my most recent works and where I am today as a creative. After viewing the first room, the viewer will dive more into the creation, sketches and behind the scenes of how I like to create. Along with sketches and intimate drawings, the guests will be invited to view past works involving my print-making past. After viewing the second room, the viewer will also be presented with my more collaborative works, design projects and brand collaborations.
In a sense, the flow of the show brings the viewer through both my creative process and various facets within my life as a working contemporary artist.
3. You were present at the exhibition. What was the reaction of the attendees?
I had the pleasure of attending the opening week of the exhibition and it was absolutely surreal. A big part of the reason for making artwork is to connect with the audience and the world around me, so to be able to do this with the community in Seoul was an amazing honor and privilege.
In general, the attendees really seemed to enjoy themselves and the feedback thus far has been very positive. Through time, I’m very interested to see the response, keep in mind that the exhibition just recently opened, and I welcome all interested guests to please see it in person. Art needs to be seen in person in order to get the real intended experience.
4. There is a Mello sculpture in Seoul. What was the reason behind this permanent gift?
In 2021, I had the opportunity to install a permanent sculpture in Seoul. Only a year had passed since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, so the difficult circumstances significantly challenged the design process. Being that, the installation was one of my first permanent sculptures in Seoul.
I imagined wanting to present a positive message to the viewer. I’m an optimist and I was done with living in the darkness over and over. After a lot of concepting and sketching, the final piece ended up being a sculpture of Mello walking towards the viewer handing them a single pink tulip. The idea was to present a permanent gift to the Korean audience, aiming to provide them with light and positive energy during times of hardship.
Another Mello sculpture is situated outdoors at Loft One, where Mello is depicted with crossed fingers, forming a peace sign too. Through this, I express my desire for a constant state of peace.
5. What served as inspiration for this character named Mello?
I created Mello back in 2015. I wanted to develop a character that wasn’t human, something that could speak to anyone around the world regardless of their ethnicity, age, or gender. Over time, Mello has turned into a sort of symbol for subconscious thought. He’s able to move freely between paintings, drawings, sculpture, commercial work or collaborative projects. He is, to my mind, very self-aware and knows how and when he’s being used, even for projects that he’s not quite sure about. He also knows when he’s having fun and happy with the outcome of a project.
6. Do you have any plans in the future to incorporate Korean elements into your artwork?
My current exhibition features a wall installation of sketchbook pages and drawing journals from my notebooks. Several of the sketchbook travel pages feature drawings that incorporate Korean elements, architecture and characters from my past visits to Seoul. I never know, maybe some of these elements will find their ways into my paintings later on down the road!
7. Do you have any upcoming collaborations? Is there a new project you'd like to tell us about?
Because my work is created by hand, I’m always working ahead at least six months to one year in the future. With that being said, I constantly have plans for upcoming projects and exhibitions. Due to this ongoing project, I’m excited to take a breath and enjoy the exhibition.
I look forward to seeing you again in the spring, revisiting the Amorepacific Museum of Art, and relishing the warm months in Seoul with my friends and family.
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