Medusa's Labyrinth
Barakat Seoul presents Medusa’s Labyrinth, an exhibition that showcases a collection of Greek and Roman arts, the fount of the Western tradition, from December 8th 2021 to February 27th 2022.
This exhibition brings together the finest classical pieces of historical value and elevated beauty from the 150-year-old Barakat collection. From the sarcophagus relief of Alexander the Great to the marble portraits of the Roman monarchs, and even the most meticulously colored Roman fresco and mosaic, these spectacular antiquities offer a special opportunity to explore the ancient times which seem to have frozen. As such, Barakat Seoul reconstructs a mystical citadel of a fearful yet bewitching Medusa where the viewers are invited to have a fantastical experience.
“The Invitation from Barakat Seoul,” a letter-like preface to the Medusa’s Labyrinth proposes that it forms a bridge between mythology and history, as well as fantasy and reality. Based on the unpublished anthology of a fictional author named Agathó Párko, this exhibition of Medusa’s curious citadel that resembles a theatrical stage visualizes a utopia filled with a selection from all the world’s beauty. By leaving the question of veracity of the author, whom this exhibition is sourced from, the viewers are put into a confusing yet delightful situation.
Apart from such minor issues, we can venture to assure that the historical and aesthetic value of the artworks in Medusa’s Labyrinth surpasses the collected treasures of a Roman emperor. As part of this treasured collection, the Greek and Roman marble sculptures retaining the characteristic ivory hue, effect a spatial transformation into an ancient pantheon, and even into the presence of Medusa, a gorgon cursed by the gods to boast an alluring gaze that brings cold death to those who meet it.
The Barakat Seoul’s curator, Minkyung Park explains: “The ancient Greek and Roman artworks have become the subject of heavily intellectual study due to the fact that they have influenced the creative minds and art-making methods to this day. However, this exhibition which suggests a different way of viewing, much like a maze, may convert your thoughts into appreciating the artworks as aesthetically pleasing necessities of our daily lives.”
Through Medusa’s Labyrinth, one may discover the impressive reputation of the Barakat collection, which weaves together Eastern civilization and Western culture, ancient nostalgia and modern aesthetics, scholarship and artistic taste.
