Writer Lee Jihyun's solo exhibition, "Kidult Utopia," is being held at Gallery Mare, located on B1 of the new building at Paradise Hotel Busan, until October 30.
The exhibition, which opened on October 3, features 23 paintings centered on the theme of "the essence and healing of human desire."
In this exhibition, the artist explores the fundamental nature of human desire and its variations, further expressing through the language of painting the process of transforming these desires into healing and play.
The term "kidult" refers to adults who possess childlike sensibilities or maintain childhood hobbies. The imagined space they seek is what can be called "Kidult Utopia." Kidult Utopia offers a moment of respite and playfulness, allowing individuals to set aside the burdens of reality, especially in a society where traditional values are shaken and personal values have become increasingly diverse.
Familiar characters from childhood memories within the artworks serve as guides, leading modern people-who are often weary and fatigued in their daily lives-back to the pure, innocent world of their youth. Through this process of escapism, a joyful "play" unfolds, and new possibilities for mental "healing" emerge.
The artist employs a traditional coloring technique by repeatedly layering pigments on silk, accumulating time within each piece, while also imbuing the works with a sophisticated and contemporary artistic sensibility. This method closely resembles the way human time and memories are layered upon one another.
For several years, Lee Jihyun has been incorporating Kidult Utopia into her works as a medium of healing for the modern mind, especially in a society that prioritizes speed and results.
Gallery Mare, the host of this exhibition, stated, "Rather than exposing or criticizing the emptiness of desires that cannot be fixed or fulfilled, Lee Jihyun’s solo show transforms them into a new language of play and healing, encouraging visitors to rediscover laughter and a sense of peace in front of the artworks. As autumn arrives, we hope those who visit the exhibition will encounter the childlike characters within the works and discover the freedom and tranquility in their imagination that they may not find in reality."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
