BUSAN.- The Dennis Oppenheim Estate announces the unveiling ceremony for “Chamber” (Inside a Flower) at Dalmaji Park in the District of Haeundae in Busan on October 14, 2020.
Originally sited at Busan’s Haeundae Beach in 2011, “Chamber” was removed following damage by Typhoon Chaba in 2016. Amy V. Oppenheim, head of his estate, then notified district officials of their obligation to protect all artwork and later closely followed the two-year restoration to insure the work’s integrity and quality.
The new location, supported by the residents of Dalmaji Hill, is a bluff cliff. The word dalmaji comes from the annual ritual dal (translated moon) maji (translated rising) which take places in Dalmaji Park. Moon-watching and other traditional activities take place in Dalmaji Park.
Many local dignitaries, including the Head of the Haeundae District Office, the Chairman of the Busan Fine Arts Association which carried out the restoration, members of the residents’ self-governing committee and professors from the Pusan National University attended the unveiling ceremony.
As people meandered through the gently curved concentric stainless-steel flower petals, the sky darkened and the sculpture’s petals glowed with color from the programmed lighting system.
The Tourism and Culture Division of the District issued the statement that “Chamber. (Inside a Flower).” will remain as an open work for citizens and all visitors, a tribute to the legacy of Dennis Oppenheim and cultural administration and resources of culture and arts of Busan, Korea.
As a world renowned highly original sculptor, Dennis Oppenheim, was a seminal figure in earth art, conceptual art, body art, video, performance and photography and public art beginning in the late 60’s. His work is in major museums and has been commissioned by dozens of countries. Three works are in Korea; “Impersonation Station,” 1988 at Olympic Park in Seoul, “Black,” 2007 at the Busan Municipal Art Museum and “Electric Kiss,” 2008 at APEC Naru Park in Busan.
