The Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture (SFAC) has appointed the artist duo Kimchi and Chips (Mimi Son and Elliot Woods) as the Art Directors of the 4th Seoul Arts & Tech Festival 'Unfold X', scheduled for 2025. 

Originating in 2010 as Da Vinci Idea and later evolving into Da Vinci Creative in 2014, Unfold X is an annual convergence art festival that has continually adapted to the rapidly changing times by proposing a new paradigm: art that inspires technology. Over the years, the festival has supported the creation and presentation of works by a total of 168 convergence artists. This year’s edition, set to take place in December, will feature around 20 teams of artists from Korea and abroad.

The newly introduced Art Director system, debuting this year, marks a significant shift for Unfold X as it takes the next step in its evolution—further advancing its commitment to exploring the forefront of art and technology. 

Kimchi and Chips, appointed as the Art Directors for 2025, is a media art group founded in 2009 by Korean artist Mimi Son and British artist Elliot Woods. Working at the intersection of art and technology, the duo has built a diverse body of work as artists, storytellers, and curators. Their projects and exhibitions span across Europe, Asia, and North America, showcasing their extensive international experience.

This year, under the direction of Kimchi and Chips, Unfold X aims to articulate the roles of contemporary art and technology from multiple perspectives, forging new connections among the diverse genres and layered dimensions that constitute technology-based art. The festival also plans to deliver messages of communication and empathy that transcend national boundaries, strengthening its international collaborations and presence as it aspires to grow into a truly global festival.

Meanwhile, the 4th Seoul Arts & Tech Festival, held from December 9 to 21 at Culture Station Seoul 284, will showcase new works by 10 Korean artists selected through the 2025 Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture Convergence Arts Support Program. Their works, which balance artistry, technological innovation, experimentation, and sustainability, will present a contemporary expansion of technology-based art experiments centered on AI, robotics, kinetic art, and programming-based installations. 

In addition to domestic works, the festival will invite around 10 international artists whose creations reflect the current state of contemporary technology-based art. The event will also feature diverse performances and academic programs for the opening ceremony. Notably, this year’s newly introduced ‘Unfold Night’ will present a live performance program embracing a broad range of subcultures.

References

• 서울문화재단 보도자료 (Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture Press Release)
• 언폴드엑스 (Unfold X)