Sep 17, 2013 Tae Won Yu’s REMAKE: The World in Paper
On Friday, September 6, I flew up to Portland, OR to attend my old friend Tae Won Yu‘s art opening at Land Gallery. In addition to his graphic design work–which can be seen on Built to Spill and Versus album covers, not to mention the children’s books that he handles for his day gig–Tae has been constantly making personal work since I’ve known him. Tae’s illustrations and photographs had already shown at the Mississippi Ave. gallery in 2010 but REMAKE: The World in Paper was the debut of his paper sculpture.
It was during last year’s Chickfactor magazine anniversary concerts that I first started seeing Tae’s three-dimensional pieces on the London, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles and San Francisco posters. To admire and try to figure out the craftsmanship behind each of otherworldly pieces in person was very cool. It was craft and cuteness come to life, and the accompanying prints were even more unreal. The latter also provided a more realistic option for collectors and supporters who don’t have proper places to display such space-sensitive work.
Did I mention that the New York artist is also a musician? His brand-new duo, Poses, played a hard-rocking set afterward, followed by a surprise Kicking Giant reunion with his longtime partner Rachel Carns. Kicking Giant was much-loved part of the K Records/Yoyo a Go Go/indie punk scene in nearby Olympia, WA during the ’90s and hadn’t played since 1996, so this was a big deal. (Kicking Giant also made a surprise appearance with Poses, The Maxines, and The Owl & The Pussycat the next evening in Washington’s capital.)
You had to be there for the music but REMAKE: The World in Paper is on display from through September 31 at Land Gallery, 3925 N Mississippi Ave., Portland, Oregon 97227. Visit the installation and be inspired to create your own world (not to mention community) through DIY art and music.