5th FLOOR is a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the relentless march of urban transformation. The artist, confronted with the demolition of his childhood home due to redevelopment, delves into a deeply personal narrative that resonates with broader sociological themes. By employing photogrammetry to scan his house before its demolition and juxtaposing these scans with images of the ensuing emptiness and ongoing construction, he crafts a spectral narrative oscillating between presence and absence, past and present.

This artwork projects domestic rituals, embedding an animated reenactment of the artist’s childhood within the void left by urbanization. The figures of the artist as a child and his mother, suspended in the invisible space of a “fifth floor,” engage in daily routines amid the stark emptiness of a construction site. This surreal juxtaposition underscores the ephemeral nature of memory and the relentless encroachment of urban development.

Urbanization, especially in its vertical form, fundamentally alters the landscape of our lives and memories. High-rise buildings cluster individuals closely, creating a paradox of isolation amidst density. While we inhabit private spheres, seemingly insulated from neighbors, this artwork strips away those walls to reveal the proximity and fragile veils that separate intimate lives. The artist’s creation of a ghostly representation of his home becomes a metaphor for the fragile persistence of memory in the face of physical erasure.

The piece also engages with the sociology of urbanism, highlighting how urban transformation reshapes not only the physical environment but also disrupts the continuity of personal and collective memory. The demolition of the artist’s home symbolizes the widespread erasure faced by many in rapidly evolving urban landscapes. Yet, by capturing and animating his past within this void, the artist asserts the resilience of memory and the enduring significance of domestic rituals.

In this intersection of memory and urban space, the artist comments on the dichotomy of visibility and invisibility within urban settings. The invisible “fifth floor,” inhabited by animated memories, challenges the viewer to consider what is lost and what persists amid urban change. The artwork invites reflection on the nature of home, the permanence of memories, and the socio-spatial dynamics defining contemporary urban life. Through a sophisticated blend of technology, personal narrative, and sociological inquiry, the artist creates a compelling commentary on the interplay between memory, urban transformation, and the rituals that shape our daily existence.

Exhibitions

[YUVA/HOME] \ [@BARIN HAN] \ [25062024-13072024]

GALLERY: /images/works/5thfloor/1.jpg, /images/works/5thfloor/4.jpg, /images/works/5thfloor/3.jpg