Re-tracing Buro

Founded by Somi Sim and Julien Coignet in 2017

lives and works in Paris and Seoul 

Re-tracing Buro is an urban research collective by Paris-Seoul based independent curator Somi Sim and visual artist Julien Coignet since 2017. Their research is predominantly rooted in urban explorations, aimed at uncovering the underlying logics of certain observable situations. They critically examine the forces that reshape urban spaces, urban nature, and public realms, focusing on neoliberal commodification and technocratic interventions. Utilizing a research-based methodology, they have produced and presented exhibitions, curatorial projects, public art installations, and publications. Their collaborative practice investigates the impact of urban transformation and sociocultural conditions, bridging the disciplines of art, curating, urbanism and cultural studies. 

They have recently participated in City of Gaïa (ACC Gwangju in Korea), Do You Miss the Future? (Hyundai Motorstudio Busan, 2021-22) or the 2020 Busan Biennale’s ‘Talk Program’. They have co-curated several Seoul-based exhibitions while also collaborating on research and public arts projects. Their recent publication is Drifting Nearby: transition of the public in a post-pandemic city (2022), a research on transition of the public in a post-pandemic city.