Works by contemporary artists Bill Viola and Michael Joo are currently on view at the Daejeon Art and Science Biennale Spinoff Magnum Opus. On account of the 10th anniversary of the Daejeon Biennale, the term ‘spin-off’—a product marketed by its association with a popular television program, movie, etc.—refers to reflecting on the biennale’s trajectory thus far as well as upcoming ‘spin-offs.’ The event takes place in four different venues including the Daejeon Museum of Art as well as the DMA Creative Center, a cultural complex Space FTC, and a gallery space Gonggan55. 

Bill Viola’s video installation Martyrs (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) (2014) is displayed at the Daejeon Museum of Art. Marking Viola’s debut in Daejeon, this polyptych installation consists of four plasma screens, each showing a figure being martyred by one of the four natural elements. Martyrs (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) (2014) offers a contemporary contemplation on life, death, and afterlife. 

On the other hand, Liminus (West Landing 1) (2017), Michael Joo’s abstract painting from the silvered epoxy paintings series, captures the unique landscape of the Dokdo Island located off the east coast of the Korean peninsula. The Liminus series reflects Joo’s interests in sites of geopolitical controversy and liminality, throughout which he utilizes resin to create an impression on the canvas that records the traces of natural forces, time, and human presence. Also on view are the sculpture works The Story of Us (2017) and Improved Rack (Scottish Red Stag #13) (2019). 

The Daejeon Art and Science Biennale 2024 takes a critical approach to reflecting on the past renditions of the event and their actualization of the mission “creative convergence between science and art,” while also exploring a “sustainable future.” The exhibition continues through February 2, 2025.