[Exhibition of the Week] Lee Ji-eun 'Lucid Dream' · Lim Min-seong Solo Exhibition and More

Editor's NoteThis week's exhibitions introduce a variety of attractive shows from across the country that can be experienced over the course of one week.

▲Im Minseong Solo Exhibition 'The Time We Did Not Know Each Other' = Gallery Dool is hosting a solo exhibition by artist Im Minseong titled 'The Time We Did Not Know Each Other.'

Yunsul 91×60.6cm oil on linen 2024 [Photo by Gallery Dool]

The artist preserves the form as it is while simultaneously conveying an invisible feeling. This artistic temperament has continued until now because it is based on the premise that a person's life is a story created through a holistic connection with the world. Even if the form is concrete, the metaphorical meaning varies depending on the creator, so the significance continuously changes, and this characteristic is evident in the current artist as well. Although the artist has depicted nature in clear forms, driven by a yearning for something mysterious, the work captures a little more of the shimmering light on the water's surface.

Fascinated by the sparkling appearance caused by light, the repeatedly observed scenes become paintings. Through form, the waves are subtly altered and colors changed to understand the difference between repetition and variation, approaching abstraction within the category of landscape. The artist realistically portrays the creator's viewpoint, which cannot be fixed. In front of the vastness of nature, the surface of the water is drawn out, colors are varied, light masses are added, and harmony chooses a naturally flowing direction rather than focusing on any one spot.

Clouds floating in the sky and the changing seasons are newly felt, and the artist believes in phenomena that are invisible but interlock and operate as complementary relationships. Nature, which has the power to make one reflect on the sincerity of life, is always observed in the artist's works. In front of that vastness, the value systems and physical systems built by humans are newly confirmed, leading to contemplation. It also quietly guides the audience with a solemn atmosphere. Without setting grand goals or making judgments of right and wrong, the realization leads to reflection within that state. Thus, the works show the sense of wonder and genuine life as they are. The exhibition runs until the 24th at Gallery Dool, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Lee Ji-eun Solo Exhibition 'Lucid Dream' [Photo by Doing Art]

▲Lee Jieun Solo Exhibition 'Lucid Dream' = Doing Art is holding a solo exhibition by artist Lee Jieun titled 'Lucid Dream.' In this exhibition, the artist captures his unique dreamscapes on canvas, including landscapes, colors, spaces, unreachable places, and moments of perception seen while wandering in search of a sanctuary.

Lucid Dream, also called 'jagakmong (自覺夢)' in Korean, refers to a dream in which the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming.

Within such a dream, any imagination or situation can be made real according to one's will. Darkness and brightness, things one wants to hide and places one wants to escape to?all share the commonality of being raw emotions that have not been shed. These double-edged emotions gradually become unconscious memories, latent and reborn again.

Filled with the artist's new works, this solo exhibition creates a fantasy where consciousness and unconsciousness blend, evoking an atmosphere as if one is actually dreaming. The diverse landscapes revealed through dreams offer viewers a sweet sanctuary or warm comfort to take a brief rest from their busy lives. The exhibition runs until the 23rd at Doing Art, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul.

Poster for Inhye Lee's solo exhibition 'Deep Sleep and the Room of Memories'.

▲Lee Inhye Solo Exhibition 'Deep Sleep and the Room of Memory' = An exhibition featuring 38 portraits of Japanese military comfort women victims rendered in a realistic style is being held. Gallery Insa Art presents the solo exhibition 'Deep Sleep and the Room of Memory' by artist Lee Inhye.

This exhibition is the artist's sixth solo show, following her practical art activities portraying victims of history and unnamed residents of island villages. The works, which have focused on the figures of the 'imprisoned' (prisoners) and the 'mourners' (those who grieve), are expressed very realistically from the perspective of the other through the theme of 'deep sleep.'

Whether the sleeper is a prisoner confined voluntarily or involuntarily, or a young person full of dreams, their appearance is equal and even beautiful. However, ironically, crossing certain boundaries also means entering a dangerous time close to 'death.' Through these images, the artist discusses 'dream,' 'abyss,' or 'death.' A separate 'Room of Memory' is set up in the underground exhibition space, displaying portraits of 38 comfort women grandmothers painted with acrylic and pastel on hanji paper.

The works were created using images of 33 Korean and 5 foreign comfort women victims registered by the Korean government among approximately 250 survivors. The artist states that this work was meant to offer a small support for their healing and sincerely pray for the repose of those who have passed away. The exhibition runs until the 19th at Gallery Insa Art, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.