Haebangcheon’s first expat-run art gallery The Laughing Tree has moved to a space about four-times larger, has been reborn as Laughing Tree Lab and is holding its launch party Saturday.

The event will feature an exhibition, video performance, music, DJs and some surprise art and spoken word performances ― all washed down with Craftworks beer.

The group exhibition “In Vitro” explores the laboratory metaphor, hinting at ideas surrounding fertilization, birth and creative combinations. Featured artists include Joe Tetrick from the U.S., Raul Pizzaro from Chile and Ah Young from Korea.

Pizarro will be holding a solo exhibition beginning Sept. 17 at the gallery. He is currently looking for models for a series of “anti-portraits” to be displayed there ― email adam@laughingtreelab.com if you are interested in scheduling a free sitting.

The Lab now includes a production studio as well as the gallery, reflected by the opening evening’s musical offerings. On Sparrow Hills, Ripley Torres and DJ Omniology are all on the bill.

“The aesthetic we are fostering within Laughing Tree Lab we are referring to as Urban Art: fresh, innovative, relevant, experimental, alternative,” explained co-curator and artist Adam Lofbomm.

“The urban environment is now the focal point of human life, with a majority of people residing in cities, and we believe it is there that the truly important threads of culture and dialogue are being forged.”

The Lab will continue 8mm: Art Cinema ― a bi-weekly vintage cinema screening ― kicking off on Aug. 17 with “Beautiful Losers.” Doors open at 8 p.m., with the movie starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost 5,000 won.

Husband and wife team Adam and Jessica Lofbomm have, with the help of friends, made the sound-proofed space intentionally versatile. It is available to rent for activities including band rehearsals, parties, workshops and theater rehearsal.

The opening event will take place in their new spot opposite Noksapyeong Subway Station, Exit 2 (between Buttercup Cafe and Taco Enchilato) from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

For more information visit the Laughing Tree Lab Launch Event Facebook page.

By Hannah Stuart-Leach  (hannahsl@heraldcorp.com)