#South Korea #Seoul #Genesis #The Met #Jeffrey Gibson

Genesis Launches New Exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum

Genesis Motors has officially unveiled its latest exhibition, The Genesis Facade Commission: Jeffrey Gibson, The Animal That Therefore I Am, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This impressive showcase, part of a multi-year partnership with the museum, will be on display at the iconic Fifth Avenue facade until June 9, 2026.

A Celebration of Culture and Art

Initiated in 2024, The Genesis Facade Commission provides a platform for artists to create new, site-specific works of art. Each year highlights the relevance of contemporary art by allowing artists to engage directly with the public and the global art community. This year’s artist is Jeffrey Gibson, a renowned interdisciplinary artist known for his unique blend of cultural perspectives. Gibson has previously represented the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and is celebrated for his innovative contributions to contemporary Indigenous art and culture.

Gibson’s exhibition at The Met features four monumental bronze sculptures that reflect a synthesis of abstraction and traditional elements, each approximately three meters tall. This is his first major venture into monumental bronze work, introducing textures that resonate with his cultural roots while also incorporating diverse materials such as wood and fabric.

The sculptures are inspired by local wildlife, depicting a deer, a coyote, a squirrel, and a hawk—species representative of both the Hudson Valley, where Gibson creates his art, and Central Park, where the museum resides. The title of the exhibition, The Animal That Therefore I Am, draws from the philosophical work of Jacques Derrida, which explores the connections of all living beings within our environment.

Themes Explored Through Art

Gibson’s work encourages spectators to contemplate the adaptability of animals within human-altered landscapes. It sparks a dialogue about their resilience against the backdrop of urban life and ecological change, thus prompting audiences to reflect on their own relationship with the environment. Through a harmonious integration of Indigenous themes and modern aesthetics, Gibson constructs a narrative that resonates with cultural diversity while exemplifying the necessity for coexistence.

“The second exhibition of The Genesis Facade Commission invites the audience to engage with the intricate relationships between living beings, nature, and urban surroundings as envisioned by Jeffrey Gibson,” stated DooEun Choi, Art Director of Hyundai Motor. This art initiative embodies Genesis' commitment to fostering dialogues on cultural themes and sustainability through innovative expression.

Committing to Artistic Vision

Max Hollein, The Met's Director and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for featuring Gibson’s bold artworks, which challenge us to confront often overlooked histories and perspectives in the natural world. The installation is designed to spark conversations around Indigenous artistry and its roles in modern narratives.

In conjunction with today’s unveiling, an artist talk titled An Evening with Jeffrey Gibson will offer insights into the artist's creative process and delve into the ideas behind this new commission. The discussion aims to bridge the gap between complex cultural themes and everyday experiences, reflecting Genesis' goals to inspire meaningful cultural dialogues through the arts.

Genesis Art Initiatives not only encompasses The Genesis Facade Commission but also includes projects such as The Genesis Exhibition: Do Ho Suh Walk the House at Tate Modern, showcasing its continued dedication to highlighting contemporary art.

About Genesis and Its Vision

Genesis is a progressive automotive brand committed to excellence in performance, design, and innovation, with a keen interest in ecological sustainability. The brand actively seeks to provoke essential discussions on cultural significance, highlighting art’s ability to transcend temporal and spatial limitations. Through initiatives like the Genesis Facade Commission, the company continues to explore and express its philosophy within the fabric of artistic endeavors.

The Genesis Facade Commission reflects not only the artistry of Jeffrey Gibson but also the ongoing mission of Genesis to connect deeply with culture, sustainability, and the collective human experience. For more details on Genesis Art Initiatives and their projects, visit Genesis Art Initiatives or follow them on social media under @genesis_worldwide #GenesisArtInitiatives.