Exploring Space and Memory: The Genesis Exhibition Featuring Do Ho Suh
The Genesis Exhibition: Do Ho Suh - Walk the House
Genesis and Tate Modern have officially unveiled the highly anticipated exhibition, "Do Ho Suh: Walk the House," which runs from May 1 to October 19, 2025. This marks a significant event as it presents the first major solo show of the acclaimed artist in London in a generation. The exhibition, part of Genesis Art Initiatives, promises to offer a deep dive into Do Ho Suh's artistic journey over the past three decades, reflecting on crucial themes such as space, memory, and identity.
An Artistic Exploration
Born in Seoul and now based in London, Do Ho Suh is renowned for his unique approach to the intersection of architecture and personal experience. His works encompass large-scale installations, drawings, sculptures, and videos that invite viewers to reflect on the concepts of home, memory, and identity through innovative perspectives. The exhibition's title, "Walk the House," draws inspiration from hanok, a traditional Korean house that can be dismantled and reassembled at a different location, serving as a metaphor for the fluidity of identity and space.
Visitors will have the extraordinary opportunity to walk through eleven translucent fabric replicas of the various spaces Suh has inhabited, symbolizing his journeys through key cities like Seoul, New York, and London. Among the highlights are new site-specific installations—Nest/s (2024) and Perfect Home London, Horsham, New York, Berlin, Providence, Seoul (2024)—debuting for the first time alongside additional newly created works.
Artistic Legacy
A prominent feature of the exhibition is Suh's acclaimed works, such as Rubbing/Loving Seoul Home (2013-22) and Rubbing/Loving Project Company Housing of Gwangju Theater (2012). These pieces were crafted through a meticulous process of rubbing surfaces with graphite or colored pencils, reinforcing the connection between the physical and emotional layers of memory. Additionally, the exhibition offers a compelling juxtaposition with Who Am We? (2000), a wallpaper artwork composed of countless portrait photographs sourced from various yearbooks, highlighting themes of collective identity and individuality.
The exhibition also includes intricate thread drawings and works on paper, alongside two significant video installations: Robin Hood Gardens (2018) and Dong In Apartments (2022), which delve into the symbiotic relationship between buildings and the concept of home.
A Vision for the Future
As the exhibition approaches its conclusion, a dedicated space will be introduced for the Bridge Project, an ongoing initiative aimed at exploring the ideal notion of a 'perfect home' while collaborating with experts in fields such as architecture, anthropology, and biology. This multifaceted exploration exemplifies Suh's commitment to navigating the complexities of space and memory in our contemporary society.
In collaboration with Tate Modern, the Genesis Art Initiatives are paving the way for thought-provoking discussions surrounding art, identity, and the nature of our lived experiences. Those interested in art and contemporary issues should not miss this notable exhibition that captures the progressive spirit of Do Ho Suh's remarkable oeuvre.
By experiencing Do Ho Suh's work, visitors not only engage with art but also take a journey through the intricate dynamics of memory and identity that define our ongoing narratives. The Genesis Exhibition promises to extend dialogues around these themes, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts this spring.