[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] LG Uplus(032640)has renovated “U+ The Gap Between the Ordinary and the Extraordinary,” a multi-purpose cultural space near Gangnam Station in Seoul, into a customer-participatory art platform.

Located at 426 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, “The Gap Between the Ordinary and the Extraordinary” is a cultural and arts space spanning from the first basement level to the sixth floor. Since opening in 2020, it has hosted exhibitions, pop-up stores, and brand collaborations. Over the past six years, it has attracted a cumulative total of 1.9 million visitors, more than 70% of whom are customers of companies other than LG Uplus. To date, 85 brands have utilized the space.

LG Uplus has moved beyond a pop-up-centric approach and redesigned the space around the “Art Garage” concept, which combines culture, art, and AI. This approach provides emerging artists with opportunities to experiment with their work and engage with visitors, while offering visitors the chance to participate in exhibitions and the creative process.

The reopening exhibition is titled “CIRCLE OF GROWTH.” Four artists—Eric Oh, Nam Min-oh, Sang-hee, and Kim Do-eun—are participating to showcase media art and interactive works that utilize generative imagery, data, VR, and gaming technology.

The space is organized differently on each floor. It features the Media Art Hall on the 6th floor, exhibition halls on the 5th and 4th floors, and an interactive exhibition hall on the 3rd floor, as well as an art shop on the 2nd floor and a community space on the B1 level. On the 1st floor, there is a permanent installation created from 439 discarded cell phones donated by employees.

AI Describes Artworks and Analyzes Art Preferences

An AI-based visitor service has also been introduced. “AI Art Mate” provides interactive information about artworks based on visitors’ art preferences and level of understanding.

Visitors can use AI Art Mate after taking a simple preference test on the second floor. When asked about artwork details, artists, or the background of a piece, it provides explanations tailored to the visitor’s level of understanding. Viewing history and favorite artworks are saved, and after the visit, visitors can review their personal art preferences through an “Art Report.”

The service is accessible via the web without the need to install a separate app and is available even to non-LG Uplus subscribers. The company plans to expand the service in the future by integrating “U+one” with voice AI to offer personalized recommendations for artworks and exhibitions.

The company is also committed to fostering emerging artists. In the first quarter of 2027, LG Uplus plans to select emerging artists through the “T.A.G. (Teum Artist Group)” program and provide them with opportunities for exhibitions, mentoring, sales of artwork and merchandise, as well as collaborations with companies and institutions.

Jang Jun-young, Head of the Marketing Group at LG Uplus (Senior Vice President), said, “We designed this space to leverage AI technology so that anyone can easily understand art and discover their own tastes and potential,” adding, “We will continue to develop this into a culture and arts platform where emerging artists and customers can grow together.”