Ji Su Kwak

Villains (series), 2024

Villains (series)

Wire mesh, straw, replica of outfit worn by
murder suspects at the time of arrest
Dimensions variable
2024

This series reconstructs press images of murder suspects whose cases briefly sparked public outrage before fading from attention. Each life-sized figure is made from wire mesh and stuffed with straw, referencing taxidermy while deliberately avoiding facial features or specific identifiers. The clothing replicates what suspects wore at the time of arrest, stripped of masks or hats, making their criminal identity less immediately visible.

Displayed lying on the floor in exaggerated, film-like poses, the figures invite viewers to move among them as if stepping into a scene. Initially evoking pity or familiarity, they reveal their context only afterward, creating a shift in perception. The installation explores how violence is flattened into consumable imagery, and how the line between observer, bystander, and perpetrator becomes increasingly difficult to locate.

사회적 분노를 불러일으켰다가 곧 잊혀진 살인사건 피의자들의 보도 사진을 바탕으로 제작한 인체 조각 시리즈다. 납작한 이미지로 소비되던 보도 사진에 지푸라기를 채워 입체화하고, 관객과 같은 공간을 점유하는 조각으로 제시하고자 했다. 동물 박제에서 착안해 철망에 지푸라기를 채워 형체를 만들었으며, 얼굴이나 개별적인 특징은 모두 생략했다. 체포 당시 입고 있던 옷을 최대한 재현하되, 모자나 마스크는 제거해 이들이 범죄자라는 사실이 즉각적으로 드러나지 않도록 했다.

작품은 〈Skin Squad, Break the Encirclement!(껍질 군단, 포위망을 돌파하라!)〉을 중심으로, 주변 바닥에 힘없이 쓰러진 자세로 배치했다. 관객이 그 사이를 지나며 마치 귤껍질 군단과 빌런들 사이의 사건 현장을 통과하는 듯한 경험을 하도록 연출했다.

Villian with a Red Scarf, 2024
Wire mesh, straw, outfit replicating the one worn by the suspect in 2023 Goyang-Yangju coffee shop serial murder case

Villain in a Blue Striped T-Shirt, 2024
Wire mesh, straw, outfit replicating the one worn by the suspect in 2016 Garibong-dong karaoke murder case

Villain in a Green Windbreaker Jacket, 2024
Wire mesh, straw, outfit replicating the one worn by the suspect in 2001 Yongin professor’s wife murder case

Villain in a Red Jacket, 2024
Wire mesh, straw, outfit replicating the one worn by the suspect in 2006 Seoul Southwest serial murder case

Villain in Sky-Blue Shorts, 2024
Wire mesh, straw, outfit replicating the one worn by the suspect in 2021 officetel acquaintance confinement murder case

Villain in a Purple Puffer Jacket, 2024
Wire mesh, straw, outfit replicating the one worn by the suspect in 1988 Junggok-dong triple murder case

Exhibition view of BEDTIME STORY at WWW SPACE 2, Seoul, Korea