Song Soo-Yon & Choi Binna: Unmaking Algorithms Through Artistic Exploration

Song Soo-Yon and Choi Binna, collectively known as unmake lab, represent a fascinating intersection of artistic practice and critical engagement with artificial intelligence. Emerging from Seoul in 2016, this duo has swiftly established themselves as prominent voices within the Korean contemporary art landscape, driven by a singular vision: to interrogate the pervasive influence of algorithms on human experience and cultural understanding. Their approach transcends mere technological experimentation; it’s rooted in a profound philosophical questioning—a deliberate “forking” of utopian circuits—that seeks to expose hidden biases and challenge dominant narratives surrounding data-driven society.

Early Influences & Formation of unmake lab

Choi Binna, born 1977, honed her curatorial skills at De Appel in Amsterdam before embarking on a collaborative journey with Song Soo-yon. Their shared interest in exploring the relationship between art and technology blossomed during BAK, basis voor actuele kunst in Utrecht, where Choi served as curator until joining Casco Art Institute: Working for the Commons in 2008 as director. This formative experience instilled in them a commitment to examining complex social issues through artistic mediums—a dedication that would ultimately propel the creation of unmake lab. Further enriching their intellectual framework were collaborations with Electric Palm Tree and participation in faculty roles at the Dutch Art Institute / Masters of Fine Arts Program, fostering a multidisciplinary perspective crucial to their distinctive aesthetic.

Conceptual Framework & Artistic Methodology

At the core of unmake lab’s artistic practice lies a deliberate disruption of conventional artmaking processes. Rather than simply utilizing technological tools as mediums, they actively reverse-trace the logic underpinning datafication—analyzing how algorithms shape our perceptions and behaviors. This methodological stance is exemplified in their series “Computation/Operation,” where they dissect the operational mechanics of digital systems, and “Whole Data Catalog,” which confronts viewers with the sheer volume and complexity of information circulating within contemporary culture. Their work isn’t about generating aesthetically pleasing images; it's about exposing the underlying assumptions embedded within algorithmic representations—a tactic that aligns seamlessly with their broader concern for questioning utopian ideals and fostering critical reflection.

Notable Achievements & Exhibitions

unmake lab’s artistic output has garnered considerable recognition, culminating in inclusion as a finalist for the 2025 Korea Artist Prize by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea. Their debut solo exhibition showcased their groundbreaking exploration of techno-ecology, emotional datafication, and algorithmic critique—solidifying their position as pioneers within the burgeoning field of technologically informed art. Key artworks include “Rumor in the City and the City” (2017), which investigates how algorithms perpetuate social biases through urban narratives, and “The Socio-Cultural History of Kit” (2021), a project that reimagines the cultural significance of the Nintendo Game Boy console using machine perception techniques. These pieces demonstrate unmake lab’s ability to transform seemingly mundane objects into vehicles for philosophical inquiry—a hallmark of their artistic vision.

Legacy & Future Directions

unmake lab continues to push boundaries within contemporary art discourse, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of technology's role in shaping human culture and consciousness. Their ongoing engagement with collaborative projects like *Forking Room*, which explores the intersection of art and social activism, underscores their commitment to fostering dialogue and promoting critical perspectives on technological advancements. As they prepare for their forthcoming solo exhibition—a testament to their unwavering dedication—unmake lab promises to further illuminate the transformative potential of artistic exploration in confronting the challenges posed by an increasingly algorithmically mediated world.