Geumhyung Jeong's Spa & Beauty investigates the relationship of body-objects, taking inspiration from the industry of beauty and body care products. Brushes, sponges, soaps and all the objects that touch our body on a daily basis inspire Jeong to create a disconcerting display. Familiar objects such as plastic bathtubs or brushes are carefully manipulated to become something else, creating a bizarre spa whose objects directly engage with the audience’s body. The relationship object-user is questioned, creating a narrative that invites to reconsider ideas on beauty, intimacy and consumption. These groups of artefacts will be activated through a series of demonstrations conducted by the artist to share with the audience her particular way of using them, bringing into play her body to illustrate the benefits of the sprays, the wonders of plastic and the pleasure of consuming and touching.
Direction, performance by Geumhyung Jeong
Commissioned for The South Tank, Tate Modern (UK), as part of Tate Live: Geumhyung Jeong