Seokmin Ko’s art photos of subjects behind “The Square” mirror

Photographer Seokmin Ko has created a project called “The Square” of humans sitting behind mirrors and reflecting the reality in front of them.

Seokmin Ko is an artist from South Korea who has had his work exhibited at the Art Projects International in New York City last year. This is a major accomplishment for a photographer, but the Seoul-based artist has duly deserved it.

“The Square” mirror at sea. Credits: Seokmin Ko. Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York.

Photographer Seokmin Ko takes images of subjects sitting behind mirrors trying to blend into various lands

The work of Seokmin Ko consists of photos captured in various environments, including at the sea or somewhere in an open field. However, there is one thing that is common to all images: a person holding a mirror to reflect the surroundings.

The person holding the object cannot be seen, but the subject gives away his presence through his hands, which can be seen gripping the mirror.

A lot of photos have been captured in the city where the modern architecture takes over nature. Some people are scared of machines and futurism, therefore the human touch is a reassuring heat amid the coldness of glass and steel buildings.

“The Square” mirror on the road. Credits: Seokmin Ko. Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York.

“The Square” mirror displays a distorted view of the surroundings

Seokmin Ko has named his project ” The Square”. It refers to the shape of the mirror which can be spotted throughout the entire collection.

His idea reminds us of Stendhal, one of the most popular French writers of all time, who described the society through mirrors. The writer said that if it were to carry a mirror along a road, then at some point it would have reflected one’s vision of the surroundings. Nevertheless, the person moving the mirror would still be blamed for being depraved.

Ko’s images are a remainder that someone’s idealistic views could be similar to yours, though sometimes they could be entirely different. However, the hands are a proof that sometimes you have to look deeper in order to get to know a person.

The mirror shows a twisted vision of the environment, as people might be trying to make themselves appear more like the rest, thus avoiding awkward social interaction scenarios.

“The Square” mirror in a steel and glass building. Credits: Seokmin Ko. Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York.

Artist is not aiming to deceive the viewers

The photographer is not trying to trick the viewers. The Square does not perfectly blend into the surroundings therefore you can always see that there is a “glitch in the matrix”.

Seokmin Ko’s work shows that humans cannot perfectly harmonize with nature, nor with modern buildings. There will always be a discrepancy between the human, natural, and constructed worlds.

The images leave room for interpretation and each person can understand “The Square” in his own way. This marvelous collection is available at the artist’s personal website.

“The Square” mirror at night. Credits: Seokmin Ko. Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York.