The Beat November 2002

Excerpts from a thread discussing the sculpture depicting the 9/11 World Trade Center attack, which was included in this year's SeaArt festival.

Dan - OK, I know there is a lot of anti-Americanism that goes on here, but that thing on Haeundae beach is just freaking TASTELESS.

kimcheese - How would Koreans feel if during an international event, the hosting city had some exhibit which downplayed some tragic Korean event?

Number 6 - It's quite possible that this was not intended to be anti-American (modern artists can have some bizarre ideas), but it certainly comes off that way. And it's certainly inappropriate to have it as part of an Asian Games festival

TheWok - tried to convince myself the intent of the artist was to pay respect to the tragedy, but the sounds of the plane crashing and the Dae Ha mingok chants following made it hard to see this as anything but almost a celebration of the tragedy.

batman - Overall, the piece was well-constructed but its intent was difficult to decipher. … It could be a cynical piece designed with the collapse of the American Empire in mind, but I am hoping for something different. For all we know it is a memorial to the ethnic Koreans who died in the tragedy.

gabo - try to remember that you're criticizing art. If you dislike a piece of art for it's "content", for its message or politics, you are sadly missing the point

piper- Translation of the artist‘s published intent: The 21st century that was full of hope, there was one incident that shocked the world - the 9/11 terror incident. …. That scene is resurrected once again on this beach. ... In this world, this type of horrible thing should never happen again, and we should carefully guard against it happening ever again. This is the silent message in the wind that I believe must be spread.

apathy - Honestly, I don't see this as anti-American. I think the artist's intentions are to show a hope for peace and harmony in the world. GLOBAL. That's why it's on the beach during the Asian Games.

Bruce- Ever heard of "artistic expression" or "freedom of speech"? I thought these things were allowed in America.

vp1 - Overall, it's a questionable concept, very poorly executed. The material was comical, the plane was unnecessarily, and it just didn't fit in with the other great artwork around.

batman - Freedom of artistic expression should be an universal value. Remember the uproar when the Taliban destroyed all of those statues in Afghanistan? Is your appeal for the destruction of this monstrosity any different from theirs?

gonesurfing - The piece is gory (gory; full of or characterized by bloodshed or violence) and disgusting (disgusting; arousing disgust; repugnant) Calling it anything else is, well you know, whitewashing it....Yes, I'm saying it should be removed. It's offensive to Humankind.

ignint - To me, I felt as though he was saying something about the happiness that was invaded by the tragic event. But he (or she-i don't know) did such a poor job at it that I couldn't say that with any real conviction.