Soluna Fine Art proudly presents Pneuma 숨결, a group show featuring four established Korean contemporary artists: Choi Young-Wook, Kim Duck-Yong, Kim Young-Hun and Lee Gee-Jo. The word pneuma originates from ancient Greek, meaning “breath”, and can also be interpreted as “spirit” or “soul”. This exhibition aims to break down the boundaries between art and materiality, embodying the essence of Korean aesthetics and sharing the connected breath between the works and the soul. Through Pneuma 숨결, each artists intertwine traditional culture with their personal expression, presenting rich and diverse artistic styles that collectively reflect the unique spirit of contemporary Korean art.

 

Through his realistic depictions of the historic Joseon Moon Jar in his paintings, Choi Young-Wook enables this iconic Korean artifact to transcend both medium and time, making it relevant to us once more. Choi’s portrayal of the Moon Jar is discernible by his emphasis on ‘bing-ryeol’, the fine ice crack pattern on its surface, which symbolizes the karmic relationships and encounters in life. While conveying the narratives and recollections of his own life, Choi’s paintings also invite audiences to reflect on their personal experiences and memories.

 

Drawing inspirations from the refined Najeon inlay techniques of the Goryeo period, Kim Duck-Yong is renowned for his sublime portrayals of nature’s beauty using mother-of-pearl and wood, interpreting the circle of life and the limitless vitality of the universe. The latest series of works by Kim feature iridescent circular shapes reminiscent of childhood favorites, such as marbles and soap bubbles. Kim invites viewers to immerse themselves in this enchanting moment, encouraging them to  relive their most cherished memories and the nostalgic experiences of youth.

 

Expressing the “Electronic Nostalgia” he experienced from the transition between the analog and digital generations, Kim Young-Hun explored the dynamic frequency of the digital world using the traditional Korean painting technique known as Hyuk-pil. His one continuous brushstroke creates flowing lines on the canvas, highlighting the raw textures and layers left by the leather brush. Kim's works reflect the rapid changes in everyday life under digital influence, capturing the invisible vibrations and noises that surround us while expressing his personal emotional shifts through his use of color.

 

Ceramic artist Lee Gee-Jo skillfully combines traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in porcelain masterpieces that showcase the timeless allure of the Moon Jar. As the ceramicist must throw the upper and lower bodies of such large-scale ceramics separately before uniting them into a single piece, the Moon Jar often exhibits subtle imperfections, with a slightly anomalous shape that resembles the moon’s ever-changing phases. By appreciating the organic beauty of the Moon Jar, audiences are encouraged to reflect on the perfect imperfection in both art and everyday life.

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