Art is expressed in almost everything these days. There are endless attempts to test our human imagination. Some are sinking into Culture and Art. Others are living without consciousness of the Art around them. Modern artists have started to implant their Art into familiar and everyday life. That is to say, "Art is Changing into Life", and increasing and surrounding us.


Do you know about "Test Site"? It is a giant slide that fills the Tate's Turbine Hall in London, England. The "Test Site" is actually a roller coaster installation. It was made by Carsten Holler from Belgium. It is just a slide but it has become famous because it was built in a museum. The people do not just watch, but feel the art of the museum in their whole body as they ride the roller coaster. It has tremendous popularity not only to children, but also to common spectators. Thanks to this work of Art, the "Tate Modern" Museum, which is known to the General Public for its symbolic Modern Art, has become popular with more spectators. Like this, artists are holding out their hand to the people.


If this type of Art exhibition were in Korea, it would surely be popular. Do you feel that it is difficult to be exposed to art? With Artists like those mentioned above, we do not have to worry about that any more. Many artists are trying to become closer to the public. Although the people do not notice many artists in their circumference, a lot of their Art works are already spread out everywhere.
North of the Han River, there is a new concept for a playground. The Seoul Foundation for the Arts and Culture started to promote a project. The existing facilities for children were very stereotypical; many children looked away from the playground. To change this and make a more creative place to play, they start to make a "Topsy-Turvy Playground". That is to say that this is the first playground that is not just a place to play, but also has interactive Art and Culture. It is located in "Hill State" Apartment complex of Seongbuk-gu.


The Seoul Foundation for the Arts and Culture cooperated and developed with expert artists in the construction and environmental sculpture areas. A child researcher was also employed for the project. There are car-swings, streetlights, and so on. It was made to increase children's initiative spirit and stimulating their imagination.


A playground that has culture is expected to provide a play space for children, who can develop artistic sensibility. The composed resting place can also provide enjoyment of culture to adults and the occupants of a house. It is a product of the Arts. "It is a chance to introduction a playground that has both Art and Education in the apartment complex," said the persons concerned with the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture.


Another aspect of this new Art and Culture change is when you walk the roads. Have you seen a sidewalk block that is paved to look like works of Art or a mural painting on the side of the road? Even trifling pieces of everyday architecture is endowed with meaning. In the past, people were not concerned with such things. Students of the pro-democracy movement fought against government, they tossed up sidewalk blocks. However, in the early 1990s, the world started to change, and sidewalk blocks did as well. Nowadays, there are various colors, and improvements, such as consideration of the environment and durability. What once was the Seoul City Hall of Abuse in many persons estimate and what was greatly criticized can be sure to express and recreate blocks by Art, and Seoul City Hall can become close to the people once again.


Industry is also looking towards the Arts. For example, LG electronics emphasizes design management, and is open to finding new ideas for its products. One idea is the "Art Dios" program that is a new model series refrigerator. Art works are grafted on home appliances. Ha Seung-lim, who is called "Painter of Flowers" used her pictures named "Modern Flower", and allows them to be grafted on LG appliances. In addition, LG appliances have the crystal of "Swarovski" series that give its products a sophisticated modern look.


The LG electronics graft Art works is a result of what the consumer wants. In 2000's studies, 45 percent of respondents put efficiency first. However, in this study, the responses about "design" were more than half. However, LG found that simply changing the color of patterns does not satisfy the tastes of the consumers. Therefore, they decide to introduce Art works.


"LG made a decision to show a new concept at their 'Gallery Kitchen' for consumers," said Lee Young-ha, LG electronics representative. Samsung electronics also planed new appliance designs and consulted Aandre Kim.


When companies try to graft Art and products, they also have to consider the cost. For example, a company constructing a building has to estimate sculpture costs for up to 1 percent of the total cost of construction. This represents one or more sculptures that stand in front of the building. It is called "Public Art". It is natural to want harmony with other surroundings, but people can neglect most of these works. It seems some what awkward to most people. Therefore, property owners do not want to build sculptures. Nevertheless, it is law; they are obliged to build with Art. In this situation, most people are not interested in Art.


To solve this problem, the government amended the law. If the property owner donates about 0.7 percent of the cost of the building, they do not have to build with a sculpture. The people look for Art as a world flow. They want to be consoled by Art. When the flow is understood, the art will become closer with the people.


The organization named "Public Art Prism" is one group that tried to spread Culture and Art. They design Culture and Art space such as the development of regional modeling or planning. They propose a different side of culture.


An example is France. They educate artistic aspects when they are still children. They prefer self-made ornaments rather than ornaments that look the same. They think pursuing beauty is more about creative ideas and affection than money.


There is a site that introduces and shows a great wall painting. The website is
www.banksy.co.uk, and it shows how the people decorate their cities beautifully. The people are on a branch road. Life culture depends on our efforts. If you want to participate in Art, you will have to develop a broad eye, try to enjoy Art for itself.

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