Miwa Komatsu

Miwa Komatsu_Pure Energy Felt in the Forest_Acrylic on canvas, panel_194 x 130.3_2023

“We Love Korea,” Whitestone Gallery Seoul’s inaugural group exhibition, is a warm greeting from the gallery to its new Korean audience. The exhibit will launch on September 3  at Whitestone’s newest branch, housed in a building which features the unique design sense of famed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Continuing until October 15, audiences can enjoy the show’s three main sections.

Sebastian Chaumeton_Lucifer_Airbrush, acrylic on canvas, panel_153 x 152,5 x 4cm_2022

The first section, located on the first floor of the basement level, will allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the mythical world of Japanese artist Miwa Komatsu. Born in Nagano-prefecture, Japan in 1984, the artist is well-known for her depictions of animals and creatures, both real and mythical. By often using acrylic paint, a Western medium, and referencing Eastern traditions, she is a master of balancing East and West. “We Love Korea” presents new works by Komatsu, which are sure to enchant guests. Komatsu is also famous for her live paintings that are like spiritual meditations, and Whitestone will be holding a live painting by the artist in honor of Bongeunsa temple on September 2.

Jiro Yoshihara_Untitled_Gouache on paper

Moving upwards to the second floor, visitors will get a glimpse of one of Whitestone Gallery’s specialties: Japanese post-modern and avant-garde art. Whitestone has a vast collection of art from Japan’s post-war period, and many of the artworks in this collection are by Gutai Art Group members. At its peak in the 1960s and 1970s, the Gutai Art Group was a radical collective of artists who performed action art called “happenings” and made paintings with the mission to always make something that had never been made before. “We Love Korea” presents an array of Gutai artworks, including the iconic white circle on a black canvas by Gutai leader Jiro Yoshihara, expressive and colorful paintings by Atsuko Tanaka and Kazuo Shiraga. Plus, in this section, viewers can see works by other big names in post-war art, like Yayoi Kusama and Lee Ufan.

Egami Etsu_Close Your Eyes_Oil on, roll_ canvas_169 x 249_2023

To wrap up the group show, viewers will be greeted by artworks by some of Whitestone’s contemporary artists from around the world on the fourth floor. Among the highlights in this section will be a large painting by Etsu Egami in her trademark style of enigmatic and colorful portrait-painting. Visitors can also lose themselves in the tiny, carved details and Taoist sensibilities of Jiang Miao’s paintings of “heavenly eyes.” “We Love Korea” will also showcase the dynamic, sometimes abstract and sometimes representational paintings of Wu Shuang, as well as the whimsical and witty works of Sebastian Chaumeton. In this section, a large painting by Debbie Reda will no doubt delight visitors with its bright cheerfulness. There will also be contemplative sculptural works by artists like Masayuki Tsubota and duo Li Wei and Liu Zhiyin to admire.

Overall, “We Love Korea” is an introduction for Korean audiences to what Whitestone has to offer and the beginning of a strong relationship between the gallery and Korea. Whitestone Gallery Seoul encourages art enthusiasts to enjoy the exhibition from September 3 to  October 15.

Whitestone Gallery

70 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-ku, Seoul
02-318-1012

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