As a new city appeared, the commercial center of Anyang moved to that area, and the atmosphere of Seoksu Market slowly sunk. However, the market’s atmosphere gradually began to change as ‘Stone and Water’entered the area in 2002.
The lonely stores that had lost their function transformed into a kaleidoscopic space, and the merchants and artists’ efforts became a revitalizing tonic for the market. Artists drew merchants’faces on the walls of the market, made newsletters, and carved door plates to tell the merchants’ stories. There are also works done by both artists and merchants together installed in the alleys of the market. With a sense of fellowship with the merchants, Stone and Water had a successful role in attracting young customers to the market through an art project known as the Seoksu Art Project (SAP). A space that was turned into a gallery naturally attracts citizens, and Seoksu Market is slowly but surely changing toward the center of merchants and artists. With every year,Seoksu Market has developed into a special cultural space. There was even a scene where artists and merchants met; as customers began coming to look at the works of art in the market, the merchants themselves had an art project of their own. This year as well, Seoksu Market is planning to hold various exhibitions centered around Stone and Water,where art and everyday life meet and communicate. A new picture of the evolving market is being drawn on the artists’ large canvas.
