Kyeonghoon Oh

‘Greetings from Paradise,’ the inaugural solo exhibition by Kyeonghoon Oh in Korea, is now on view at ELIGERE Seoul and will run through November 25, 2023. This exhibition features artworks previously presented as part of the artist’s solo showcase at ELIGERE’s booth during Kiaf SEOUL 2023, along with 25 new paintings recently created by the artist straight from his studio, marking his debut stage in Asia.

“Life, as I perceive it, is akin to a grand, unfolding journey. I pose this question to you, dear visitor: what journey are you presently navigating? Personally, I find myself setting forth on the most picturesque voyage of my lifetime. A journey that began with the pursuit of elusive dreams has now evolved into a meaningful progression, nurturing and safeguarding the entities I hold dear.

This exhibition, ‘Greetings from Paradise’, will showcase artworks that symbolize my quest for serenity and inner peace. In spite of the persistent undercurrents of anxiety that greet me each morning, I remain steadfast in my endeavor to uncover the underlying beauty of existence, a quest accompanied by a fervent wish to share these discoveries with you.

I extend my warmest wishes, hoping a life filled with joy and exhilaration awaits you.”

— Kyeonghoon Oh

Kyeonghoon Oh’s ‘Mountain’ artwork appears to explore the boundary between deep inner emotions and reality. The soft and gentle color palette creates a dreamlike, fantastical atmosphere, while the expressions of the two figures show a contrast of emotions. The woman in the center exudes serenity and a meditative demeanor, while the child on the right reveals surprise and curiosity. The white deer, collapsed structures, and floating clouds all visually convey a deeper meaning and message hidden within this narrative. Overall, the artwork seems to address the subtle relationship between reality, dreams, and human emotions. The color scheme of the artwork is primarily composed of soft pastel tones. The mint-colored mountains background imparts softness and tranquility, while the red accessories and clothing provide a striking focal point. This red contrasts with the overall serene atmosphere of the piece, potentially symbolizing the intensity of emotions and inner turmoil. Furthermore, the light gray and gold details offer a calm and steady feeling while infusing the piece with a wriggling vitality and energy. Overall, the color composition of this artwork perfectly captures the harmony of contrasting emotions and moods.

— Joonsang Lee
Director – ELIGERE

In this evocative artwork ‘Greetings from Paradise’, the artist masterfully employs the color pink as a central motif, elevating its traditional associations of tenderness and affection to convey a layered narrative of hope and introspection. The canvas is awash with varying shades of pink, creating a harmonious ambiance that encapsulates the viewer in its warmth. Beyond mere aesthetics, the pink serves as an emblematic representation of hope’s pervasive influence in our lives.

The central figure, bathed in this hopeful hue, appears in a dreamlike state, its interactions with the three-eyed aquatic entity further emphasizing the thematic presence of hope. This ethereal creature, with its pink undertones, stands as a sentinel of optimism, its very essence intertwined with the overarching color theme.

Yet, the artist astutely introduces a counterpoint with the fire flower at the figure’s feet. This emblem of anxiety, rendered in the same pink palette, subtly speaks to the delicate balance of hope and apprehension that defines the human experience. The choice to paint these contrasting emotions in a shared color palette is both daring and insightful, suggesting the dual nature of our emotional landscape.

Through the nuanced use of pink, the artist crafts a visual symphony that resonates deeply, capturing the essence of human emotion with an eloquent touch. This piece stands as a testament to the artist’s adeptness at weaving color and symbolism into a cohesive, impactful narrative.

— Joonsang Lee
Director – ELIGERE

Born in Gwangju, South Korea, Kyeonghoon Oh currently lives and works in Seoul. He obtained a degree in Media Art from Kaywon University of Art and Design. His practice blends Eastern traditions with Western sensibilities, by utilizing a unique style that incorporates diluted acrylic paint, diffusion, and layering techniques. This approach embraces elements of Eastern aesthetics and color palettes, along with influences from Western mythology, legends, and animation-inspired imagery. Oh’s thought-provoking work explores the aesthetic and sensory perceptual differences between Eastern and Western cultures and chronicles his journey toward realizing dreams amidst past frustrations.

“Within the practice of my artistic expression, pink resonates deeply as a symbol of hope and optimism.”

— Kyeonghoon Oh

ELIGERE
55, Apgujeong-ro 79-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
+82 2 518 4287

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