After a stressful fall, it’s time to sit back and think about nothing. Of course, nothing comes with caveats. When nothing fills something, that makes nothing into something. As you ponder the meaning and consequences of the void, consider what would be involved in creating a museum of nothing. Would it be an empty vessel? Or no vessel at all? Would it take up physical space, or psychic space?
The Museum of Kids’ Books and Art (MOKA) tackled the subject of nothing as part of its recent programming. MOKA is a cultural and educational space established by the Hyundai Department Store Group in 2015 to support the arts and contribute to the local community. It is the first museum in Korea dedicated to the theme of books.
As curator Saehee Kim told me, “MOKA plans a variety of exhibitions and interactive programs designed to inspire imagination. In the ‘Open Library,’ visitors can freely explore over 6,000 picture books on themes like family, adventure, promises and courage. Additionally, the museum offers workshops with artists and a range of short- and long-term educational programs led by MOKA’s educators.”
MOKA’s second space, MOKA Garden, is currently hosting an exhibition based on the children’s book The Museum of Nothing by Steven Guarnaccia. Below, Saehee explains the existential importance of nothing and her curatorial interpretation of this work.
Why did you choose to do an exhibition on this book?
MOKA introduced Steven through the exhibition Oasis at MOKA in 2022. This exhibition introduced the ÓPLA Archive, located in Merano, Italy, which collects artists’ books. Steven Guarnaccia designed the logo for this institution, and his books are also part of its collection. As a curator particularly interested in collections, I was drawn to Steven’s design and style from the very beginning of preparing for the exhibition. I believed his picture books uniquely showcase collections focused on fashion, architecture and furniture design.
While following his work, I found out that The Museum of Nothing was published in 2023. I was captivated by the idea of a museum dedicated to “nothing.” I found it philosophical and aesthetic, especially considering that the concept of nothing is not confined to one definition. It can be perceived as something invisible, a literal empty space, or as an idea existing solely as the concept of zero, inviting endless contemplation of its meaning. The idea of exploring such a profound theme within a single book was captivating, which led me to invite him to MOKA for a solo exhibition.
I’ve always believed that museum exhibitions focus on visible information, emphasizing visual clarity to highlight the content. What are you doing by cutting loose from that convention?
Although the main content of this exhibition is the wonderful illustrations by Steven [Guarnaccia], I wanted to propose an experience that allows visitors to perceive what is unseen yet present, a crucial idea in The Museum of Nothing.
In the exhibition space, there are two voices emanating from speakers hidden behind walls. One voice narrates the text from the picture book, while the other introduces and provides background information on the items showcased in the exhibition (the picture book). Labels (designed by Steven) on the empty bottles evoke Marcel Duchamp’s 1919 work 50cc of Paris Air, while the pieces in the painting gallery are highlighted as significant works in the history of art, such as Rauschenberg’s and Ryman’s. Since the audio players are not visible, visitors must pay attention to discern where the sound is coming from. This exhibition does not aim to teach or explain but rather to create a space where “nothing” exists, inviting people to naturally reflect on the concept of nothingness.
I’d like to share one more consideration from the planning of the exhibition. In the book, there’s a scene where Otto approaches a black hole, is immediately pulled into it, and reappears in another dimension, as if “within the frame.” To recreate this in the exhibition space, I planed to paint the wall black, built a low wall with a hole, which is a passage for children to walk through. While it’s challenging to fully represent a concept like the multiverse in exhibition design, my hope was for visitors to directly sense that what initially appears as a flat surface transforms into an empty space they can enter when approached closely. I felt this approach would provide a sensory experience of a “black hole” rather than explaining it conceptually.
What has the pubic’s response been?
Due to its location within Hyundai Premium Outlet Space1, MOKA Garden frequently attracts visitors who stumble upon the exhibition by chance. When they first enter the gallery, visitors encounter impressive graphics, empty bottles and blank books before reading The Museum of Nothing. After reading the book, they revisit the exhibition with a new perspective on the theme of nothing. They enjoy stepping into the black hole and exploring the exhibits, marveling at the labels designed by Steven Guarnaccia as well.
The exhibitions at MOKA Garden always aim to convey the artists’ intentions, inviting visitors to be active participants rather than passive observers. Just as Steven Guarnaccia designed labels, visitors engage in the activity of creating their own labels to capture intangible memories. During the exhibition, the fragrance of MOKA Garden, warm sunlight and popped bubbles fill transparent bottles with visitors’ interpretations of “nothing.” In this museum of nothing, each person creates their own version of “something.”
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