Do You Know the Gwanghwamun Government Seoul Cheongsa Gallery?

'Yu Heeseon' Solo Exhibition Until Next Week
Partial Exhibition on 1st Floor in 2002
Expanded to Entire Lobby Since 2022

This October marks the second year since the lobby on the first floor of the Government Seoul Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, was transformed into an art gallery. The gallery, which had been held in part of the first floor since 2002, was expanded to the entire lobby and opened as a public space for citizens.

According to the Government Seoul Building on the 18th, a solo exhibition by artist Yu Hee-seon titled "A New Perspective - Before and After the Pandemic" will be held on the first floor of the building until September 27. This exhibition explores the artist's body of work divided into two periods based on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Until before COVID-19, Yu focused on works that mediated her own stories. Her works mainly centered on unresolved desires, the relief of uncomfortable emotions, and feelings dreaming of escapism.

Her artistic world changed after COVID-19. Through outdoor activities with her daughter, influenced by her role as the primary caregiver and social distancing, she rediscovered the theme of "flowers." She developed a sense of awe toward flowers, which are delicate yet possess a survival instinct beyond that of humans. Recently, her works have been variations on the theme of flowers, representing emotions and consciousness beyond the surface.

In her artist’s note, Yu stated, "Humans evolved by forming societies and beginning all communication by observing the expressions of others and sensing the situation. While my past work of exploring my inner identity was precious, the current work of painting flowers encountered in the surrounding natural ecosystem, inspired by the new perspective gained through the pandemic, is the most ultimate aesthetic expression for me at present."

Meanwhile, the Government Seoul Building is soliciting exhibition works to diversify art pieces, provide exhibition opportunities for emerging artists and creative groups, and expand the base of art. Eligibility for the call is limited to artists or groups from the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions. This is to introduce the works of local artists to the community. Works by regional artists are also exhibited at the Sejong Government Complex and the Gyeongnam Government Complex.