Whatever You Say Freud, But Art is a Deliberate Act. A Studio Visit with Koo Jeong A

Koo, deep in her thoughts, was carefully forming sentences to explain the origin of the magnet presented in her work.  With sincerity and conviction, she described her first encounter with medicinal magnet and the impact it had on her as a patient and as an artist.  Further conversations with people from various fields confirmed that although magnet and its effect were all around us, it was seldom given a throughout examination.

Koo reads Financial Times to keep up with what’s happening in the wider world.

“Would you like to sit down?”  Koo inquired during the middle of her talk.  She looked around her studio, which was bare and tidy with stacks of wooden boxes containing her work to be shipped soon to Berlin’s König Galerie for her upcoming show on the 24th November.  One thing I noticed about Koo is that she was able to pick up nonverbal cues and be sensitive of others’ need.  A trait she was born with or perhaps she acquired through many years of living abroad, mainly Paris and London; through speaking the unfamiliar languages and through living in different cultures. 

Koo asked me not to post her work. So I’m posting her handy tool here. Koo’s installation often contains everyday objects.

She opened a couple of boxes, placed a painting on an electrical outlet.  The painting was painted with magnet imbued paint.  Magnet nuggets were positioned on the edge of the paintings with care.  Koo moved them around, told us how the viewers could potentially interact with the art work and become a part of the art.  When Koo moved on to explain another painting, I moved the largest piece of irregular shaped nugget from the edge of lower left corner to the centre.  Koo saw.  She casually and slowly walked back, while was still speaking, gently and deliberately placing the nugget back to its precise location two minutes ago.    

Somerset House Studio

Vanity Gives You Aching Feet - Metronomy, Somerset House Summer Series

“The fact that you agreed to have dinner beforehand tells me... you don’t really care too much about this band.”  “What are you talking about!  Sometimes I just want to relax and enjoy the night.”  I sipped my perfectly chilled Bellini.  My friend chuckled. 

Caught the tube to Temple.  It was our first to see a concert at Somerset House.  I was wearing a pair of dark navy blue wedge sandals from A.P.C.  Taller with better view, I felt great, but my feet ached.  "Why are you wearing heels to gig?" "Because... it's brand new from Paris and I really want to show you!  I also want to be taller and see all!"  My friend gave me a let's-see-how-that-will-work-out look.  I was optimistic.  I sat down and chilled.  "With frequent rest, I can get through this three hours gig no problem at all!" 

I should have worn Converse? Hey look at my jumpsuit pattern!

Had a drink, chatted for a good hour, the supporting act was on stage.  I didn't like the songs.  My friend reminded me to concentrate on his abs (he took off his shirt shortly on stage, probably wanted to distract us).  Abs gave me strength, time passed quicker, Metronomy was on stage.  

The most polite band - Metronomy

“It’s a pleasure to be out in the capital city where it’s muggy and warm and not wet and everyone feels good”, Joseph said softly.  "Back Together" kicked off the Summer 18, one of my favourites from the 2016 released of "Summer 08".  I loved when the song reached the climax at the end "... and even when I'm low on time I swear, I'll spend it with you boy ..."  Joseph's falsetto coupled with the cheery synth, ensuring the euphoric moment rippled.     

Wonky shot of the audience. An ecstatic fan in the crowd (lower left corner) .

The Look

Day turned to night.  The party continued.  By the time "The Look" came on, I have already took off my heels a couple of times.  My feet felt like they were hammered then eaten by ants.  I was annoyed with myself.  I should’ve worn Converse (but then I would be buried by the audience and wouldn't be able to see a damn thing).  Oh the trade off, it's a pain, literally.  

The night must end but the feelings will last! Come back soon! <3 <3 <3

Encore were my absolute favourites:  Love's Not an Obstacle, Everything Goes My Way, and Radio Ladio.  I have a habit of listening to one song on repeat for days.  "Love's Not an Obstacle" was that song when I was muddling with a faint memory of a man.

We sang aloud "R-A-D-I-OOOOOOO~" The electro-synth of "Radio Ladio" brought the mood to a new high.  Despite my crippling condition, I still danced and jumped (oooouch!)  Even when I was experiencing extreme pain and joy at the same time, I still managed to spot Joseph's kids who were at the corner of the stage with big ear muffs.  I wondered what went through their minds when they were seeing their dad on stage performing?  

Metronomy waved good night and exited the stage.  The concert ended but the night was still young.  We were discussing where to go after, since a dry summer night with a mood like this shouldn't go wasted.