Inspired by Aldous Huxley’s 1932 novel, Brave New World, 2018 Seoul Photography Festival explores the theme of a future society where humans are artificially modified and controlled by advanced scientific technology. 

The exhibition examines the temporal setting of the novel, A.F.632, as a metaphorical basis that reflects the conditions and paradox of our technological development following modernization, and presents how the emergence and distribution of new technology not only serves as the source of change for industries and material society, but also as a central force in subverting political systems, social structure and human values. 

The 19 artists participating in this exhibition individually reflect on our current information system and conditions which operate in similar context to the super-utilitarianism of Huxley’s future world in the year After Ford 632. Taking these issues as the motif of their works, the artists present their unique reactions and ways of resistance against the issues surrounding the dramatically changing global politics, society and environment. Echoing the words of the novel’s protagonist Lenina Crowne, “when the individual feels, the community reels.” This exhibition hopes to provide a reeling moment for the viewers where “reason sleeps.”