Soluna Fine Art proudly presents The Korean Narrative: Layers of Korean Aesthetics, a group exhibition featuring six prominent Korean contemporary artists: Choi Young-Wook, Ha Tae-Im, Kim Duck-Yong, Kim Hyun-Sik, Kim Keun-Tai, and Woo Jong-Taek. Curated in collaboration with esteemed curator Dr. Ahn Hyun-Jung, this exhibition draws inspiration from her acclaimed book “Layers of Korean Beauty”, exploring the depth of Korean art and offers profound insights into the nation's rich cultural tapestry. Viewers are invited to experience diverse artistic expressions that reflect timeless themes of harmony, craftsmanship, and nature, which are central to Korean aesthetics and cultural heritage.

 

Choi Young-Wook explores themes of memory and communication, using his paintings as vessels for both personal and universal narratives, with the Moon Jar as a central symbol that fosters silent dialogues about shared human experiences. His portrayal of the Moon Jar is characterized by an emphasis on ‘bing-ryeol,’ the delicate ice crack patterns on its surface, which symbolize the karmic relationships and encounters in life. Through his art, Choi invites viewers to embark on journeys of self-discovery, serving as reminders of our past and reflecting how we navigate and embrace life’s joys and sorrows.

 

Through meticulous layering techniques, Ha Tae-Im applies vibrant color bands over a foundational hue, creating dynamic compositions that contrast with the rigidity of geometric abstraction and evoke a sense of fluidity. Ha’s ongoing series, "Un Passage", exemplifies her exploration of communication through color, as these bands interact to forge harmonious relationships and evoke emotional resonance. Ha’s art underscores the profound ability of color to convey meaning beyond words, inviting viewers into a sensory experience that deeply engages their emotions.

Inspired by the Goryeo period’s Najeon inlay techniques, Kim Duck-Yong is renowned for his sublime portrayals of nature’s beauty using mother-of-pearl and ancient wood. Incorporating the concept of "Borrowed Scenery," a traditional East Asian design principle that integrates background landscapes into interior compositions, Kim harmoniously blends oceanic scenery with the architecture, creating interchangeable objects and subjects. Kim's works ultimately emphasize the transcendental connection between nature and humanity—a synergistic ecology of the universe.

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Kim Hyun-Sik transforms resin into vibrant, tactile works that challenge conventional definitions of painting and sculpture. Through the meticulous layering of epoxy resin, carving, and applying acrylic to create intricate flat sculptures, each of his works establishes a dynamic interplay of color and shade that invites viewers to explore a mysterious depth within the flat dimension. Kim’s works consistently delve into the themes of the seen and unseen, leading audiences to travel beyond the lines, see past the plane, and reflect on their innermost thoughts.

 

Employing organic earth elements, Kim Keun-Tai’s work focuses on seeking the true definition of the origin of the material. Through a meticulous process of kneading and pouring diluted stone powder onto the canvas, he tilts the surface to allow the medium to flow freely. Kim creates an interplay between control and autonomy, enabling the material to express itself and co-create the artwork. His works serve as vessels for expressing the profound relationship between humanity and nature, inviting viewers to contemplate both the visual and deeper significance of the materials.

Renowned for his contemporary approach to traditional Korean ink painting, Woo Jong-Taek creates dynamic compositions characterized by a reduced color palette and bold brush strokes. Employing a blend of ink sticks, charcoal powder, rosin, and white clay, Woo captures the essence of nature through powerful and expressive gestures in his creative process. His paintings serve as a meditation on the essence of nature and the universe, posing questions about the origins of mankind and the world, and inviting viewers to reflect on the harmony between nature and human existence.

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