The Gwangju Rocks is an art project by Tommy Støckel commissioned for the 11th Gwangju Biennale in South Korea.
The project consists of two parts: the first is a group of 24 sculptures resembling rocks shown in the Biennale exhibition halls, and the second a corresponding digital keyboard with 24 animated rock-characters to be downloaded by people for their communication on smartphones and tablets.
The Gwangju Rocks are based on actual rocks found in the city of Gwangju – placed as “nature sculptures” in the city’s gardens and parks. The artist made 3D scans of a selection of six rocks, simplified and animated each to appear as a digital character with individual behaviour and distinct characteristics, similar to classic emoji characters.
In the Biennale exhibition, each emoji-expression is presented as a physical object captured in a moment of its action, where this momentary shape becomes an intriguing classical sculpture. However, The Gwangju Rocks are
digital characters and primarily exist as animated rock-sculptures.
Originating from the Korean cityscape they accompany you in your everyday mobile communication!
Now say it with a rock!