Seoul Summer Exhibition 2024

BLANK SPACE proudly presents the 'Seoul Summer Exhibition,' a vibrant celebration of art and culture designed to bridge the creative worlds of Seoul and the international art sphere. Immerse yourself in a unique artistic experience in the heart of Seoul, at Gangnam, Seoul at 451, Dosandaero, Gangnam Gu, Seoul, Korea. (강남구 도산대로 451).

This exhibition aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry that art weaves across borders, celebrating artists such as Hyunsook Jeong, Kyuhak Lee, Heekyung Kim, Yuki Matsueda, Rachel Ovadia, Hamilton Aguiar and Jose Margulis. At BLANK SPACE, our commitment to supporting artists both internationally and locally is unwavering. This is our fourth exhibition in Korea, and we have carefully curated a selection of artworks that embody our dedication to fostering cross-cultural exchange, creative expression and providing opportunities for artists to thrive globally.

Kyu-Hak Lee is a renowned South Korean artist celebrated for his distinctive mixed-media mosaics, which reimagine iconic art history masterpieces, notably those of Van Gogh. Lee constructs his assemblages using Polystyrene or Styrofoam strips wrapped in magazine and newspaper, then covered with hanji, traditional handmade Korean paper. This unique method serves as a social commentary on consumerism and the intrinsic values of the millennial era.

By upcycling everyday materials, Lee's innovative approach reflects on contemporary society's relationship with tradition and heritage. Enter Kyuhak's world here. 

Byungjin Kim is a renowned steel sculptor, expertly creating intricate figures and shapes by meticulously welding numerous letters, logos, and symbols. His detailed, labor-intensive technique includes shaping each steel piece, sanding and painting the welded sections, and firing the artwork in a kiln. Through this meticulous process, Kim strives to convey truth, infusing his sculptures with profound depth and significance.

Kim, who resides in South Korea, has established himself as an acclaimed artist worldwide. His works are housed in several private collections, such as National Museum of Contemporary Art, Philos Hotel, The Sculpture Park in Gangwon Land and Suwon District Court, and many more. Check out more of Byungjin Kim's sculptures here. 

Hyunsook Jeong is a Korean artist renowned for her unique use of iridescent materials like mother of pearl and crystal to explore the essence of light. Her work is deeply rooted in traditional Korean craft, reflecting the historical and transcendental qualities of light. Jeong's artistic practice is characterized by her innovative incorporation of traditional materials into contemporary art forms. Her pieces capture the human desire for light and its significance in various aspects of society, from mythology to everyday life. 

Jeong's art has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the Sungkok Art Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul. She has gained recognition in both the Korean and international art markets, with her work featured in major art fairs in cities such as Miami, New York, and London. Explore the mystical world of Hyunsook Jeong here. 

Yuki Matsueda is a Japanese artist known for his innovative and humorous three-dimensional sculptures that often feature everyday objects breaking free from their conventional two-dimensional forms. His Exit and Card Series are perfect reflections of his tongue in cheek approach to sculpture. 

His practice begins with making backing prints, which he learned to do as a child in his parents print shop. After, he draws the object out of its static world through a complex process involving PET casting and shaping. In the finished product, the traditionally limited image has new life, humor, and perspective breathed into it. Matsueda's art has been exhibited globally, including solo shows in Hong Kong, Seoul, Berlin, and Tokyo. Check out more of Yuki Matsueda's works here. 

"I treat my three-dimensional pieces as light traps or secret blueprints, in which by controlling the placement of its components, I’m able to create intriguing 3-D containers. Their designs are then fully revealed by applying or pouring light into them. In a sense, light becomes the ink that reveals the design by following a 3-D template.”

Jose Margulis is a contemporary artist from Venezuela who delves into the manipulation between two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. Using photography, digital printing, and acrylic sheets, Margulis crafts works that create illusions where volume, space, and light seem to constantly change.

Like many Venezuelan artists of his generation, Margulis was shaped by the emergence of Geometric abstractionism and Kinetic art. He now has recognition worldwide, and is featured in art galleries, art fairs, and solo exhibitions to high acclaim. His work can be found in numerous private and public collections around the world. Check out Jose Margulis' works here. 

Exploring new artistic techniques, Yoo Hyun has developed a method of spraying and dripping liquid onto untreated fabric. These innovative paintings delve into spatial concepts and geometric structures found in urban landscapes, capturing the stark lines of buildings, the rhythmic patterns of road grids, and the intricate play of light and shadow.Yoo Hyun’s incorporation of hanji, traditional Korean paper made from mulberry bark, enhances the variation of texture in his work. Known for its strength and durability, hanji has been a staple in Korean art for centuries. Yoo Hyun’s use of this material highlights his dedication to preserving cultural heritage and continuing the legacy of Korean artistry.

Yoo Hyun holds an MFA in Western Painting from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, and a BFA in Korean Painting from Yeungnam University in Korea. His exhibitions have been showcased in Tokyo, Seoul, and Daegu, with his works featured in private and institutional collections across Korea, Japan, and the United States. Take a look at his other works here. 

Rachel M. Ovadia is a contemporary abstract artist from Canada who has dedicated over forty years to her craft. She has built a diverse and substantial artistic legacy, through mixed media works on canvas and paper, featuring a wide array of styles. Chance plays the most significant role in creating her masterpieces, and what appeals to Ovadia the most is the uniqueness of a singular moment and its inherent fleeting nature.

"At times , when I run out of materials, I start creating alternative mediums, dilute pigments, add thinners or modeling paste and come up with new means depending onmy state of being. It becomes a total alchemy. The outcome for the most part is greatly satisfying and unexpected." - Rachel Ovadia

Check out More of Rachel's works here. 

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