Four Temples explores the themes of the past (the pyramids) and the future (dreams of people worldwide). Inspired by his visit to Cairo in 2023, artist Ik-Joong Kang integrates architectural elements of Egyptian temples into his envisioned artwork. The arrangement of four structures, reminiscent of Egyptian temples, symbolises the belief that, despite the divisions and conflicts on Earth, harmony and peace can be achieved through communication and exchange.

The outer walls of the work feature the Korean folk song ‘Arirang’ written in Hangeul (the Korean Alphabet), English, Arabic, and hieroglyphs, signifying the importance of language in bridging the past, present, and future. Although Korea is divided into North and South, ‘Arirang’ is sung by people in both regions. Kang often incorporates the distinct themes of ‘harmony,’ ‘connectivity,’ ‘empathy,’ and ‘peace.’ Hangeul, his preferred subject, symbolises these themes as separate characters, vowels, and consonants that come together to form complete words.

The inner walls of the work are composed of drawings by people from around the world, particularly children and those facing political and social difficulties. By sharing the dreams and challenges of many, we find healing. The work includes a participatory experience through excavation. The audience digs through the sand to find two types of buried bookmarks with the words ‘love’ and ‘peace’ written in the four languages, which they can take away with them. With special thanks to the YS Kim Foundation, the Peter Magnone Foundation, Hyundai Rotem, Lee International, Margarette Lee, and ENART.