Jin HAN

Jin Han has long contemplated the concept of ‘muk-eum (默音)’, a term that is spelled out but not pronounced—a presence that exists but disappears unexpectedly. The artist feels a deep interest and affection for such phenomena. Thus,  Han has been expressing through visual media these ‘muk-eum’ presences found in passing phenomena, senses, literature, music, and the like.

Han successfully completed their studies at the prestigious Korea National University of Arts and the Korea Institute of Fine Arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art and art history. She has showcased her his artwork in seven solo exhibitions at prestigious galleries such as ONE AND J. Gallery and Gallery Chosun. Additionally, he has been a part of over 30 group exhibitions held at renowned art institutions like the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art, Space K, and Art Sonje Center.

At Kiaf, she will be showcasing her collection of abstract paintings, including the mesmerizing piece titled “Afternoon already gone by but night still yet to come Op.2”. “Based on the memories that surfaced, I observed the process of departing and returning over a long period, forming topographic features with light. This light exists in a dual state, capable of becoming dawn until the moment of daybreak, or it could be the sunset, thus prompting me to begin a series of images based on the dual nature of light. “Lingering in the Waves of a Night Op.1,” she elaborates, “symbolizes a period in my life when I experienced a sense of being enveloped by darkness.”

Han frequently embarks on excursions to seek inspiration and meticulously arrange the intricacies for her artistic endeavors. The author elaborates on how the emotions and sensations derived from a place or object are not solely reliant on visual perception, but also encompass other senses like hearing. To truly experience these emotions, the author emphasizes the need to mentally immerse oneself in the place or object, or even in a similar setting. “This process fosters profound contemplation, enabling a direct connection to the passage of time and broadening the scope of your creative endeavors by serving as a gateway to other realms of emotion, including literature and music.”

Following a site visit, there is a brief delay before the work begins. The artist dedicates ample time to carefully considering the composition of the piece, drawing inspiration from the rich experiences and diverse materials collected during the visit. The artist expressed, “Amidst the rapid pace of modern society, I adhere to my own rhythm and momentum in my daily life, which serves as the catalyst for my ongoing creative endeavors.”

She says, “Between summer and autumn, there is a season called ‘jangha (長夏)’. It’s the time when the fruits ripen inwardly after being formed in summer. During this period, it is essential to patiently endure and wait, even when progress seems stagnant, for the fruits to fully ripen. I desire to express my sincere gratitude and derive immense pleasure from the precious moments of Jangha that grace my existence. To accomplish this, one must possess a keen ability to consistently and intimately observe and deeply experience the world around them. Being aware of and consistently maintaining my own pace and stride is a goal that I strive for in both the short-term and long-term to sustain this positive momentum.”

With this exhibition, she aims to provide the audience with a period of deep reflection. She expressed, “While I engage in the act of painting, I contemplate the ever-approaching nature of existence, envisioning a sequence of leaps, deviations, and embracing. I trust that observers can collectively reflect upon those instances through the examination of the intricate layers that have been built up within the paintings.”

Jin HAN, Reverb within Echo Op.1, oil on linen, 24.2×24.2cm, 2023