Exploring the History of Stamp Design with THUMP at the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art
In celebration of the opening of their new museum shop, the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art (Busan MoCA) hosted the <쿵> (read as koong) or THUMP exhibition on May 3, 2024. THUMP, named in reference to the noise of a stamp hitting a surface) celebrates the vast and intriguing history behind the humble stamp. Curated by graphic designer and artist DDBBMM, who also designed the identity of this exhibition, THUMP features installations by 10 artists and graphic designers both from South Korea and abroad.
Many of us often overlook something as unassuming as a stamp. However, this exhibition turns the notion of the simple stamp on its head by showcasing its extensive and complex history. From royal seals to self-inking stamps, THUMP delves into how the design and purpose of stamps have grown alongside the evolution of society in all corners of the world. THUMP not only encourages us to look into the historical value of stamps but also their artistic value and its place in contemporary art. In truth, any flat surface that one can carve into and layer ink onto can be considered a stamp. One does not have to look too far to make connections between the humble stamp and printing methods like lino printing and mono printing. As with many aspects of our everyday life, design plays a significant part in the creation and evolution of these stamps.
Kang Seung-wan, Director of Busan MoCA, stated in a press statement, "The message conveyed by a small stamp can be much larger and more powerful than its size, offering a conceptual expansion beyond physical objects. Through this exhibition, we aim to explore the history and meaning contained within stamps and communicate with visitors through their potent message-delivery capability." The artists taking part in this exhibition include Kwak Intan, Kiljong Arcade & DDBBMM, Park Sung Jin, Yang Heejae, Young Kwang Stamp, O Hezin, Jo Hyojoon, Jin Dallae & Park Woohyuk, and ABC or Artists’ Books Collective & Guests.
As part of the Busan MoCA’s effort to enhance visitor interaction, THUMP was organized with the hope to shorten the distance between art and the visitors—fostering a richer and greater participation in appreciating the art displayed. Holding the exhibition in the museum shop was also a deliberate move in fostering this participation, displaying the works and installations in more familiar and casual settings helps diminish the often stilted atmosphere of galleries that may come across as intimidating. By holding the exhibition in the museum shop space, visitors are much more likely to interact and engage with the pieces exhibited.
While the exhibition is currently closed, THUMP will be opened to the public once again later this year on November 30 until December 29, 2024.
