Moonassi

Moonassi, Acrobat1, Ink and acrylic on Haji, 193.9 x 130.3, 2024

As his former shows, Borders 2017, Mind Like Fire 2018, MOHO (Ambiguity) 2021, SMIM 2022, Mind collector 2023, Subtle Beauty (Murmures) 2024 suggests, he has consistently explored relationships among people and the internal wave like motions caused by exchanges of affects from each other. In this exhibition, Moonassi presents large scale works and new works where two characters find balance amidst the tension between them.

Moonassi’s works execute the beauty of simplicity and moderation with Hanji (Korean paper) and black ink as his main medium, using only black and white elements. The lake and environments signify darkness creating a surreal and dreamlike scenery and illustrates the infinite internal landscape. The limitation of color doesn’t act as a constraint but rather contributes to a sense of liberation.

Moonassi, Endless emotion, Ink and acrylic on Haji, 91.0 x 116.8, 2024

The simple facial features without any expressions add to this beauty of simplicity. When we meet people, our eyes tend to move towards their faces. This is our way to understand the emotion and mood of others. How we approach characters in art is not that different. Most of the faces in Moonassi’s works are looking somewhere far or deep under, away from the observer who stands in front. It gives the viewers plenty of time and space to almost obsessively explore the faces, yet it’s not easy to find the narrative. The black ink lines neatly fill in, creating a clear form on the faces where you expect to see facial features.

When we’re in water, we create splashes and ripples. The waves sweep our bodies back and forth without will. If we force the body to fight against the waves, the body will sway in an awkward position and create yet another ripple. We gradually learn that we can only relax in peace when we let go. It is only when we go with the flow, we are finally able to move forward.

The artist states, the isolated and sunken heart was unable to flow, only to start when the relationship began. It’s hard to understand each and every distinct wave. However, we find meaning when we accept each and every distinct part of our emotions and life forms as is. We find meaning in the process of finding balance within the infinitely rocky relationships. I hope our hearts ripple and sparkle as it reflects on the faces of Moonassi’s works.

EM
14, Songpa-daero 48gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
+82 10-4393-0622