[Gallery Walk] A Giant Pet and a Girl... Jung Woo-jae Solo Exhibition

Until the 24th, ArteK Jeong Woojae Solo Exhibition 'Harubit'
Realistic Painting Technique Creates Fantastic Images

"I believe that among what paintings possess, the power to move and resonate emotionally is the greatest. I wanted to present works that move the hearts and emotions of viewers."

Jung Woo-jae_Radiant-Overcoming the Limit 53.0×45.5cm oil on canvas 2024
[Photo by Arte K]

ArteK will hold the first exhibition of the second half of the year, a solo exhibition by hyperrealist artist Jeong Woojae titled 'Harubit'. The exhibition, held on the first floor of the gallery in Sinsa-dong until the 24th, will showcase a total of 21 works including the artist's new pieces.

Jeong Woojae is an artist who conveys messages of recovery and comfort for the deficiencies of modern people through moments of fantasy where reality and virtuality coexist. As viewers observe the fantastic images of giant pets and figures rendered in hyperrealistic techniques, they experience a restoration of purity and fulfillment of lack. This exhibition features works of companion dogs, cats, and ornamental fish.

Living with his companion dog 'Kkamangi', who loved him as he is, the artist experienced the filling of deficiencies felt in reality. Based on this experience, the artist has continued his work, planning the exhibition with the hope that viewers will be comforted by the large companion animals occupying the works, resolve negative emotions, and discover and face their true selves.

The works feature a girl and various companion animals. The girl, who consistently appears in Jeong Woojae’s works, is depicted with short hair and in profile. This reflects the artist’s intention to iconize the figure due to the hyperrealistic nature of the works. Additionally, the companion animals appearing in each work symbolize relationships, self-esteem, dreams, and hope, while also serving as beings that reflect our process of change and communicate with the audience.

Jung Woo-jae_Dear Blue-Embracing Each Other's Light_89.4×130.3cm_oil on canvas_2024. [Photo by Arte K]

The artist says the girl symbolizes our inner selves who are adults but not accustomed to adulthood, yet have somehow become adults. The girl standing on the boundary between child and adult represents a being with a deficiency in increasingly lost relationships.

Moreover, the companion animals depicted on a grand scale express the profound comfort they offer us. The everyday landscapes and elements of light that form the background of the works act as a bridge connecting the fantastic moment of encounter between pets and humans to reality. This word, which appears in the exhibition title and the titles of the works, embraces the boundary between unreal and real beings without distinction, allowing these two disparate existences to be accepted within the same time and space.

Through this, the artist reminds us of what is being forgotten by modern people who are increasingly isolated in urban life and losing bonds in contemporary society.

In particular, the artist said, "In this exhibition 'Harubit', I hope you face the anxieties and deficiencies we have, spend a day discovering yourself within them, and find the light of truth inherent in that."

The exhibition is free to attend.