Rooted in his South Korean background and queer identity, the filmic and sculptural works of Berlin-based Young-jun Tak (b. 1989) address a global rise in religious and politically led polarization, leading to shifts including an increase in homophobia. Looking at our communal spaces—from those of clubbing to holy worship—his practice explores how populist patriotism drives forward new behavioral restrictions in a post-truth era.
Changing O—Overgaden’s architecture into a church-like structure, Tak’s first large-scale institutional solo show to date in and of itself constitutes a ritualistic space, presenting new and existing works in its several compartments.
Young-jun Tak (b. 1989, Seoul) has a degree in English literature and cross-cultural studies from Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea. Tak has participated in major international exhibitions including the Lyon Biennale (2022), the Berlin Biennale (2020), and the Istanbul Biennale (2017).
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Young-jun Tak: Chained (detail), 2020. Installation view O—Overgaden, 2023. Resin, fiberglass, paper, glue 400cm Ø. Courtesy of the artist. Commissioned and coproduced by the 11th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art. Supported by Arts Council Korea. Photo: Laura Stamer
Young-jun Tak: Chained (detail), 2020. Installation view O—Overgaden, 2023. Resin, fiberglass, paper, glue 400cm Ø. Courtesy of the artist. Commissioned and coproduced by the 11th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art. Supported by Arts Council Korea. Photo: Laura Stamer
Young-jun Tak: … and Knocked (detail), 2023. Installation view O—Overgaden, 2023. Ceramic, aluminium drainpipe, rope, metal and glue. Dimensions variable. Photo: Laura Stamer
Young-jun Tak: Knocked (detail), 2023. Installation view O—Overgaden, 2023. Ceramic, aluminium drainpipe, rope, metal and glue. Dimensions variable. Photo: Laura Stamer
Young-jun Tak: Knocked (detail), 2023. Installation view O—Overgaden, 2023. Ceramic, aluminium drainpipe, rope, metal and glue. Dimensions variable. Photo: Laura Stamer
Young-jun Tak: One More Please, 2022. Installation view O—Overgaden, 2023. Wooden milking stool, votive candles, silicon, paint, aluminium, and glue 39 × 35 × 35 cm. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Laura Stamer
The exhibition is supported by the Danish Arts Foundation, the Goethe-Institut Denmark, and NEUSTARTplus-Stipendium der Stiftung Kunstfonds / NEUSTART KULTUR der BKM.
