As we embrace the arrival of spring in 2024, there’s an undeniable sense of freshness and mystery in the air, just like every year. It’s during those fleeting moments when we’re lost in the depths of slumber, that the magic of this season unfolds, in the gaps of our consciousness. The warm embrace of the unseen breeze, the tender sprouts breaking through the earth, and the gentle drizzle that quietly dances down—nature orchestrates a symphony of renewal, even when we’re not consciously aware. > Read More

2024년 봄은 매년 맞이하는 봄이 그렇듯 새롭고, 또 신비롭다. 추위가 사그라들고 땅이 부드러워지는 이 계절의 특별함은 우리가 잠든 사이, 그 의식의 공백기에 있다. 우리가 눈치채지 못 한 새에 드리워지는 따듯한 공기, 흙을 뚫고 나오는 새싹, 조용히 내리는 이슬비. 우리가 의식하지 않아도 세상은 봄을 불러일으키기 위한 공모를 한다. 이번 봄, 이 신비로운 세계를 향한 문을 열어줄 일곱명의 작가들과 함께 열어본다. 강세희, 김영미, 김성철, 와다 치즈, 영재, 몽몽, 그리고 착 작가들과 함께 김현주갤러리는 겨울과 봄을 잇는 전시를 기획했다. > Read More

ARTIST LINE-UP

Chizu Wada

Hi Hi 2023

70.7×60.6cm

Acrylic on canvas

夜のともだち (Friends of the night) 2023

72.7×72.7cm

Acrylic on canvas

狼頭⼱ (Wolf Head) 2023

50cm

Acrylic on canvas

Chizu Wada's artwork embodies a profound sense of peace and an inherent longing for comfort. In her captivating pieces, she skillfully intertwines the realms of humans and animals, portraying an exquisite connection that transcends boundaries. The idea of peace and joy are not distinguished by our identities, and they are seemingly transcendental. Often depicted are whimsical scenes of a girl and an animal such as them being engaged in a dance, their hands entwined, symbolizing the harmonious bond between different beings. <Read More
Wada's artistic style is characterized by a delicate balance between subtlety and vibrancy. Her masterful use of pastel tones infuses her creations with a soft and serene ambiance, captivating viewers with a gentle allure. The colors she employs are bright and lively, yet carefully restrained, avoiding overpowering intensity. This meticulous attention to color choice allows for a captivating visual experience, where warmth radiates from the canvas, enveloping observers in a cocoon of tranquility. Beyond the captivating aesthetics, Wada's works evoke a profound emotional response. Through the tender interactions between the girl and the animal, she conveys a message of unity and interconnectedness. It is as if she seeks to remind us of the inherent bond that exists between all living beings, inviting us to embrace empathy, understanding, and harmony. By juxtaposing the human figure with the animal counterpart, Wada invites us to explore the delicate interplay between the human and inherent intangible worlds within. Her art serves as a gentle reminder of the innate beauty and wisdom that can be found in the natural realm, urging us to reconnect with our primal instincts and forge a deeper connection with both ourselves and the environment that surrounds us. In essence, Chizu Wada's art transports us to a realm where peace and comfort reign supreme. Her carefully crafted compositions, infused with pastel tones and nuanced edges, create a sophisticated visual language that resonates with our deepest yearnings. Through her art, she invites us to embrace the gentle dance of life, to hold hands with the inner peace, and to discover the profound interconnectedness that lies at the core of our existence.

Mong mong

기묘한 달구경 2024

21×29.7cm

Print on canvas

The Scent of Watermelon 2024

42×59.4cm

Print on canvas

A cozy night 2024

42×59.4cm

Print on canvas

Mong mong’s art revolves around feline protagonists, intriguingly portrayed as cats without eyes, which seemingly invites us to perceive the world not through mere vision, but through the lens of the heart. Within these creations, a warm and sincere realm unfolds, evoking a sense of profound connection and understanding that transcends conventional perceptions. The absence of eyes in the cats serves as a metaphorical invitation to explore a deeper level of perception, one that delves beyond the surface and into the realm of emotion and intuition. Mongmong's art beckons us to embrace a more profound and heartfelt way of experiencing the world, where the boundaries between inner and outer, visible and invisible, dissolve, giving rise to a contemplative and empathetic journey. >Read More
In addition to the captivating portrayal of cats without eyes, Mongmong's artistic style is characterized by a deliberate choice of muted colors and soft edges, creating a subtle and ethereal atmosphere. The artist skillfully employs a restrained color palette, using gentle hues that evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection. These muted tones, combined with the absence of sharp edges, contribute to a dreamlike quality in the artworks, further enhancing the introspective nature of the pieces. Within the carefully crafted compositions, intricate details are subdued, allowing the essence of the scene to shine through. Rather than overwhelming the viewer with an abundance of visual information, Mongmong's art invites contemplation and reflection within the warm and inviting atmosphere. The subdued details serve as a visual invitation to explore the unspoken narratives and emotions that lie beneath the surface, encouraging viewers to engage with the artworks on a deeper, more personal level. This intentional softness and subtlety in color and detail contribute to the overall effect of the artworks, creating a sense of gentle introspection and fostering a connection with the underlying emotions and messages conveyed by the eyeless feline characters. It is through these muted colors, soft edges, and subdued details that Mongmong's art invites us to embrace a quieter, more contemplative perspective, where the heart and soul can speak louder than the visual stimuli of the world around us.

Sungchul Kim

변신의 시간 #1 2024

21×29.7cm

Ink on paper

밤의 기억 2024

21×29.7cm

Ink on paper

변신의 시간 #2 2024

21×29.7cm

Ink on paper

Kim Sungchul's works depict somewhat heavy themes such as desire and pain in a bizarre and illustrative manner, aiming to lessen the bleakness of the themes they convey and elevate them through the aesthetics of curves, distortion, and monotonous color tones. By adding a sense of enigma and anatomical depiction to facial expressions or depictions of the human body, the artist compels us to have a different perspective when looking at animals--including humans--as human beings. Additionally, the artist compresses the process of overcoming these somber themes, offering solace and hope like a ray of sunlight in a cold winter. The artist's depictions contain delicacy and a sense of dynamic movement, giving the themes a strong narrative quality that is felt as a process and continuity rather than a mere momentary feeling. >Read More
Desire is undeniably a great inspiration for Kim Sung Cheol, and rather than interpreting it in a fragmented manner, his works present a multifaceted understanding. Regardless of whether desire and its sentiment is regarded as good or bad, it also embodies the purity of the sentiment itself, apart from the notions of right and wrong. In a way, it separates the emotion with morals. Kim Sung Cheol's works explore various themes and employ unique and creative expression methods. They stimulate our emotions and perceptions, providing us with a space for contemplation and reflection. This contributes to expanding our perspectives and understanding through art, offering us new experiences and perspectives.

Youngmi Kim

Bass-6556(4) 2022

72.7×72.7cm

Mixed media on Canvas

Bass-6556Circle(5) 2022

72.7×90.9cm

Mixed media on Canvas

Bass-6556(3) 2022

72.7×90.9cm

Mixed media on Canvas

Kim Youngmi’s works are a mesmerizing display of thin circles, delicately drawn and skillfully intersecting each other. These circles come together harmoniously, forming a captivating composition that evokes a sense of organic beauty. The artist's keen eye for detail and precision is evident as each circle seamlessly connects with the others, creating a cohesive whole. In these art pieces, the circles seem to dance across the canvas, gracefully intertwining and overlapping. The resulting forms resemble clusters or networks, reminiscent of the intricate connections found in nature. They evoke a sense of vitality and movement, as if they are capturing the essence of neurons firing up in the brain or the interconnectedness of natural phenomena. >Read More
The thin lines used by the artist add a delicate and textural quality to the artwork. By using powdered stone, the artist achieves an even more organic feel. The circles, although appearing weightless as if floating in the air, gain a remarkable sense of presence and weight. The composition is balanced and symmetrical, inviting viewers to explore intricate patterns and discover new connections within the artwork.The color palette employed by the artist further enhances the organic nature of the pieces. Neon, primary colors pop against the dark background, creating a glowing effect. These vibrant hues add bursts of energy and emphasize the dynamic nature of the composition. Overall, these art pieces are a testament to the artist's ability to capture the beauty of interconnectedness and the complexity of organic forms. Through her meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision, she invites viewers to contemplate the intricate patterns of life and the fascinating interplay of elements that shape our world.

Yungjae

어디가능교? no.2-2 2023

53×33.5cm

Mixed media on Korean paper

너와 함께(feat. 오도의 가을 동산 no.4) 2023

25x25cm

Mixed media on Korean paper

너와 함께(feat. 달빛 호수 no.19) 2023

25x25cm

Mixed media on Korean paper

The artwork series “Together with You" is a deeply poetic piece. It exhibits a strong sense of continuity and a series-like quality. Despite its monochromatic tone, the warmth that emanates from the artwork is a result of the artist's skillful technique and storytelling. The presence of a narrator, embodied by a cat, adds an intriguing element as if one is listening to a secret tale being whispered. This warmth can be likened to the gentle and tender emotions one feels in the springtime. <Read More
The use of graphite and charcoal in the artwork aims to capture a serene and contemplative sentiment. Graphite, derived from processed rocks, and charcoal, derived from burnt wood, serve as the primary materials. The artwork is created on hanji, a traditional Korean paper made from processed wood, providing a canvas for the interplay between graphite and charcoal. The artist employs a technique of scratching the surface of hanji with graphite, akin to carving wood with a stone, resulting in a textured material reminiscent of a cozy knitted fabric. The deep and warm monochromatic darkness symbolizes a space of hope where unresolved connections are reunited. The artwork demonstrates the artist's ability to create a sense of lyrical continuity and a serialized narrative. Despite the monochromatic aesthetic, the warmth that is felt within the artwork is attributed to the artist's technique and storytelling. By introducing a narrator, such as a cat, who leads the audience through the narrative, the artwork possesses a captivating power that draws viewers in. This warmth can be compared to the gentle and subtle warmth of spring.

19-9 Samcheong ro 7-gil Jongno-gu Seoul 03054 Korea l [email protected]