2024. Ignis Perire (Light of Destruction). Yeonwoo Chang. Photo (c) Lea Fabienne
Ignis Perire (Light of Destruction)
The first images that occur when we think about light are sacredness, warmth, hope, enlightenment, all values that bring positivity
and vitality. However one of the most devastating lights that makes us question these might be the light of destruction, the
light of war that ignites the world.
Phosphorus, etymologically rooted in the English term ‘bringing light’ carries a poignant symbolism. The light seen at the grave on a dark night is called by different names, such as ‘Will-o’-the-wisp’, ‘Irrlicht’ and ‘Monster light (燐)’. This is said to be the light that emerges from the phosphorus in the bones of a corpse.
White phosphorus, invented from phosphorus extracted from human urine, was industrialised through matchboxes for pocketable fire. These early inventions caused many industrial injuries and deaths for workers in the matchbox factories. Today, white phosphorus is still used in many wars, takes people’s lives, causes traumatic injuries and losses, and destroys our environment. Through the prism of light, the work questions death and destruction perpetuated by humans.
Phosphorus, etymologically rooted in the English term ‘bringing light’ carries a poignant symbolism. The light seen at the grave on a dark night is called by different names, such as ‘Will-o’-the-wisp’, ‘Irrlicht’ and ‘Monster light (燐)’. This is said to be the light that emerges from the phosphorus in the bones of a corpse.
White phosphorus, invented from phosphorus extracted from human urine, was industrialised through matchboxes for pocketable fire. These early inventions caused many industrial injuries and deaths for workers in the matchbox factories. Today, white phosphorus is still used in many wars, takes people’s lives, causes traumatic injuries and losses, and destroys our environment. Through the prism of light, the work questions death and destruction perpetuated by humans.
Fact Box
Ignis Perire (Light of Destruction)
Categories
Date
June 07, 2024
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Students
- Yeonwoo Chang (Curatorial team and exhibiting artist)
Pariticipants