About the artwork

The twentieth century, an era of mass consumption on a gigantic scale, has generated environmental problems. Based on his understanding of our consumer society, the artist created a ceramic house using only materials from the earth: clay, sand, fire and wood. On the surface of the house, he drew scenes telling the story of the natural cycle by which every existence returns to dust. The house was enclosed completely in a kiln and fired for a month. The artist stayed in the region for more than half a year with the Korean working team. He spent the New Year in the region and collaborated with local residents. The residents had wanted a park for the community’s few children, and the resulting artwork was the realization of their request. People in the region responded gratefully to the artist and his staff for their hard work. In Korea, magpies are said to be a bird that brings happiness. (*)