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With his project ‘What Can’t See’, Dion immerses himself in the heart of Seoul’s lively neighborhood, Bogwang-dong, which stands on the precipice of demolition. The work unveils the impending redevelopment, where the allure of economic gain threatens to erase the area’s social and cultural diversity. Bogwang-dong, slated for demolition to pave the way for Hyundai’s ambitious redevelopment project, serves as a microcosm of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. Consequently, more than 8,000 households will need to relocate once the district undergoes redevelopment.

In Bogwang-dong, one street comes alive with vibrant LGBTQ nightlife, while the next is graced by the country’s largest mosque. The echoes of the main U.S. military base resonate against the backdrop of trendy restaurants and bars, creating a unique area where subcultures coalesce. This diversity fosters acceptance and genuine belonging within its inhabitants—a place where Dion, as a foreigner in a foreign land, found a true sense of connection.

In ‘What Can’t See,’ Dion not only documents the neighbourhood he calls home, but also grapples with his own role within this narrative. As an outsider turned resident, he finds himself enmeshed in the complex dynamics of urban transformation, where his very presence contributes to the changes he seeks to capture. He navigates the interplay between personal identity and societal impact, acknowledging his relocation’s paradoxical influence on the fabric of neighborhoods like Bogwang-dong. His photographs serve as both testimony and introspection, urging viewers to question the multifaceted nature of gentrification and their own complicity within it.

The soul of Bogwang-dong is laid bare through a series of intimate portraits and evocative vignettes. Images of the neighborhood’s diverse community radiate warmth and intimacy, yet beneath each frame lies an undercurrent of impending change. The images reflect the shared experiences and memories of a community on the verge of disappearing, reminding us of the ways in which collective memory is shaped by both space and time.

‘What Can’t See’ encourages viewers to confront challenging questions about the nature of urban development and the forces shaping our cities and its communities. We are compelled to question: for whom are we constructing the cities of tomorrow, and at what cost to the communities that call them home?


Features:                     Booooooom, Safelight paper

Solo Exhibitions:      What Can’t See, Domansa. Seoul, South-Korea. (2024)

Group Exhibitions:   2023 Hannam Art Archiving project, aHsh Gallery, Seoul (2023)
                                    Photo Vogue Festival, Milan. (2022)
                                    Graduation Exhibition, Royal Acadamy of Arts. The Hague. (2022)