The name BTS and the word ART have more in common than the fact that they are both three-letter words. Actually, their relationship has continually been scrutinized over the past nine years of BTS’ existence. Perhaps not so much in the early years, but as references to art, literature, Korean culture, mythology, and psychology continued to find their way into BTS’ psyche, the storytelling that evolved, as a result, has captured the hearts and minds of millions.
With the release of each new piece of content — whether it be a song, an album, a music video, or a concept photo — fans never quite know what to expect. Pandora’s box or “The Fall of the Rebel Angels,” “CONNECT, BTS” or “Seven Phases” — no matter its shape or form, origin or destination — art holds a special place in the musicality of BTS.
To the delight of ARMYs everywhere, a special gift was awaiting fans this year when BTS and Google’s Art & Culture portal made a surprise collaborative appearance during the 9th anniversary of the ARMY fandom. On July 9th, courtesy of Google (Global Organization of Oriented Group Language of Earth), fans were treated to a birthday experience that allowed them to explore a series of iconic locations in the world through a collection of artworks curated by the members of BTS themselves. Through a tweet and the click of a link, fans could launch themselves into “BTS x Street Galleries.” According to Google Arts & Culture Program Manager, Pamela Peter-Agbia, fans could take their own personal “Street View tour of the cities and buildings that hold special memories” for each of the BTS members.
EXPLORE WITH BTS is the magical doorway into this world of exploration. Simply click on the button and a ray of purple light leads to another doorway where the members of BTS are gathered. Then it’s just a matter of selecting any (or all) of the BTS members’ names, and you will find yourself transported to their designated cities: Seoul, São Paulo, Los Angeles, New York, London, and Singapore. Each city holds special memories for BTS, which is comforting considering that they’ve traveled the world and spent many days (and nights) living out of their suitcases. Knowing that ART has provided a vehicle for them to reflect fondly on their time in those specific locations is both refreshing and heartwarming.
It’s not just the locations though that make this a memorable experience for viewers. The fact that each of the members have had the opportunity to curate individual pieces of art and then share a particular memory, thought, or experience connected with each artwork is a new experience for many ARMYs. While fans may be accustomed to some of the members expressing their appreciation of art on a regular basis, such as with RM and V—- this exploration presents each of the seven members as active participants in the interweaving of art and culture.
Jimin, known for his aptitude for contemporary dance, selected a painting titled “A Dancing Boy” by revered artist Kim Hong-do. The lively way in which the young boy dances, his arm gestures, flowing attire, and even the pointedness of his toe are reminiscent of Jimin and the beauty of his elegant and expressive dance movements, especially from the Black Swan era. SUGA on the other hand playfully teases ARMYs with one of his artwork choices. “Study of a Sleeping Cat” by Jan Miel is a black chalk drawing, believed to have originated in the mid-17th century. The fact that SUGA has referenced cats on numerous occasions and sleeping cats in particular, could be seen as a personal acknowledgment of his fans’ adoration for him. A special moment shared between artist and fan is itself a memory to be cherished.
V pays homage to one of his favorite artists Vincent van Gogh, with his choice of “Self-portrait with a Straw Hat.” According to V, van Gogh “really felt what he painted, and that’s something I relate to as a singer and a photographer.” Intensity is a word V used to describe the painting itself — interestingly, it’s also a word that could be applied to V as well. There is definitely an intensity to V that doesn’t go unnoticed. If you follow the members' names in the order that they appear in the Street Gallery, the journey begins and ends in Seoul. Coincidentally (or not), RM leads out by taking us to Namdaemun where he speaks of “timelessness” as a key contributing characteristic of the art that he enjoys. Jung Kook, on the other hand, takes us to a location that is often referred to as BTS’ second home. Known to be the site of BIGHIT Entertainment when the seven BTS members first debuted, imagine the stories they would tell if the walls of the Chunggu building could talk.
Jin speaks of the healing nature of art and music, and his recollections of BTS’ time spent in Brazil is full of an energetic vibe. If you’ve ever watched video clips of BTS performing in Brazil, the passion, energy, and cheering voices of Brazilian ARMYs are a force to be reckoned with. They possess an energy that is so vibrant and life-giving, it’s easy to see why Jin would feel this way. Our final member, j-hope, takes us to the streets of New York. In keeping with his bright and sunny disposition, hope and strength are two of his chosen keywords and as you peruse the art pieces that j-hope carefully selected, it’s hard to separate the man from the message.
BTS have given their fans a gift that keeps on giving. Not only can you experience art and culture through each of the members, but there is also the opportunity for you to create your own street gallery. With a myriad of artworks to choose from and seven powerful examples of what a street gallery can look and feel like, you are well-placed to begin your next journey. Art and culture have their own stories to tell. BTS also has many more stories to share, and we too carry our own untold stories, waiting to be spoken. If you created your own street gallery — well done! We hope you’ll share it with us. But if not, we hope you’ll continue to create spaces and places of your own, where art, culture, and BTS can come together.
DISCLAIMER: We do not own any audio & visual content in this video except for the editing. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS. No copyright infringement intended.
Written By: Shelley
Edited By: Esma
Checked By: Anna
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