Collective 'The Plumbers'
Founded in 2023, The Plumbers is an interdisciplinary arts collective that has been showcasing online and offline exhibitions rooted in 'event-based' art. The collective's name, *The Plumbers*, was inspired by the "White House Plumbers," a secret investigative unit under U.S. President Nixon, known for solving problems that could not be addressed through conventional methods. In the same way, the collective identifies gaps in traditional forms of art presentation and communication, offering innovative alternatives and creating new artistic formats. Led by Ahn Seong-hwan, Jang Si-jae, and Choi Eun-chong (Host), **The Plumbers** plans cultural exchanges in response to global issues, inviting international institutions and artists (Guest) to collaborate.
The collective will propose collaboration not by relying on existing art administration and institutional frameworks, but by approaching these administrative procedures and systems through a meta-analytical lens, identifying gaps and offering alternatives.
The artistic forms presented by the collective will remain undefined, existing as experiments that fit into no existing category.
The collective will not be bound by location or nationality, hosting global offline events based on the web.
This approach and attitude closely align with the work of plumbers.
They step in to resolve issues that arise in the midst of our daily lives. Unbeknownst to us, thin pipes deep underground have slowly become tangled and blocked, making it difficult to pinpoint where exactly the problem lies. That’s when a plumber willingly arrives on-site. They even lay their body down in places where the client, who is currently enduring discomfort, hesitates to enter. While the surface of the area they pass through may appear unchanged, something is undoubtedly ‘changed.’
The plumber’s problem-solving methods are astonishingly diverse. They never blame their tools. With just a simple set of equipment, they can easily craft new parts. Adapting to the situation at hand, they create new tools and parts, showcasing their unique approach.
Plumbers promote their services through online platforms like websites, social media, and YouTube. Without a headquarters or office, they operate on a 100% appointment-based system. Their true assets are their bodies, experience, and ideas. By minimizing unnecessary operating costs, they are able to maintain a sustainable practice. Their mobility allows them to swiftly and accurately tackle issues.
Ahn Seong-hwan
Jang Si-jae
Choi Eun-chong
Thank you!