The exhibition DIALOGUE: I Am Because We Are explores the intricate relationships formed among humans, animals, plants, and immaterial beings within the context of boundaries. The dual titles of the exhibition—"Borderline Human" in Korean and "I Am Because We Are" in English—reflect its intent to examine the complexity and multifaceted nature of these boundaries and relationships. The Korean title "Borderline Human" positions humans as entities that traverse and form new identities within these boundaries, while "I Am Because We Are," derived from the Ubuntu philosophy, emphasizes human interconnections and the significance of community. Ubuntu, a concept from the Bantu languages of Southern Africa, embodies the idea that an individual's existence and value are deeply rooted in their relationships with others and their community.  These complementary titles collectively reflect the philosophical exploration of the exhibition, illuminating the formation of multi-layered and complex relationships that transcend rigid boundaries.

The concept of boundary is inherently dualistic, embodying both clarity and vagueness. It separates elements while simultaneously creating new relationships through overlap and fusion. Geometrically, a boundary can manifest as a straight line dividing two distinct realms or a curve distinguishing the inside from the outside. However, boundaries extend beyond such clear linear separations into spatial concepts where elements intermingle. For instance, the boundary between cities and suburbs does not merely divide them with a single demarcation. Instead, it forms an intermediate zone where urbanized suburbs and suburbanized cities overlap. This intermediate zone, possessing a relational identity, signifies that boundaries function as catalysts for forming complex and multi-layered relationships rather than merely serving as physical dividing lines.

Historically, boundaries have been integral to social and cultural development, defining frameworks for human thought systems, behavior patterns, and social structures. In the era of hyper-connectivity, the concept of boundaries has become increasingly flexible and multi-layered. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, are redefining human and machine labor, altering human roles across various fields. This transformation breaks down existing boundaries, creating new collaborative and productive relationships. AI does not merely replace human labor but rather engages in synergistic collaboration with humans to form new labor relationships. Similarly, climate change is reshaping ecological boundaries, causing species redistribution and habitat changes, necessitating new relationships between humans and nature. These profound shifts indicate that boundaries function as physical separations and as elements that influence social, economic, and political balances. Boundaries are thresholds that open possibilities for relationships while simultaneously serving as walls that limit access. The dual nature of boundaries demands constant reinterpretation and reconstruction.

DIALOGUE: I Am Because We Are explores the multi-layered nature of boundaries and the complexity of relationships formed within them. The seven participating artists visualize various forms of relationships as they traverse these boundaries, revealing the conflicts and fusions that arise. Boundaries are proposed not as spaces of mere separation and disconnection but as fields of new possibilities and creation. The works in the exhibition express the variability of boundaries and relationships, visually highlighting the interdependence and complexity of various elements. This prompts reconsideration of the relationship between self and others in contemporary society, imagining new narratives for the future. Through the constant reconfiguration of boundaries and relationships, the exhibition encourages the audience to reflect on these conceptual thresholds' expansiveness and multi-layered meanings.

Future generations will confront an ever-increasing complexity of multi-layered boundaries. This has been a constant throughout history and remains true today, but the diversity of mixed boundaries will become increasingly pronounced in the years to come. Navigating these newly formed boundaries will require a multitude of perspectives on how to view and address the nuanced relationships, balances, and imbalances that arise. Ultimately, the ability to understand and analyze these evolving boundaries will play a crucial role in shaping the structure and rules of future societies, as it is fundamentally a question of how we change, understand each other, and grow together.