“The Miracle of the Rhine” (Rheinwunder) and the “Miracle of the Han River” are terms that refer to the economic booms in Germany and South Korea that followed World War II. These post-war economic miracles in the 1950s and 1960s drove rapid industrialisation and economic growth, but they also brought with them the realities of labor exploitation and social inequality – as reflected in the labor movements and worker’s struggles in both countries. In her solo exhibition, “The Miracle on RhineHan”, Balmoral artist-in-residence Hyekyung Son unveils and examines what lies behind this “miracle” – the exploitation, sacrifice and devotion of working class people from Germany and South Korea. Through the unique use of color and space in her work, the artist uncovers the contradictions and gaps in this historical narrative of unbridled economic progress and miracle in both countries, opening up a space of contemplation and pause that challenges the flow of capitalism.
The ARSB team looks forward to welcoming you to the exhibition at the vernissage and/or at a later date during the exhibition period (on request). We would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends from Balmoral 03 e.V. for supporting our fellowship holders and their exhibitions in the RichCake exhibition space.
opening: 1.11.2024 / 6 p.m.
curated by: Kathy-Ann Tan
Artist & Curator Talk: 6.30 p.m. followed by the screening of „Das Wirtschaftswunder am Han und am Rhein” 한강과 라인강의 경제기적
Photo: Seoul Metropolitan Archives, Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln Digit