Rian Gallery Seoul Hosts Solo Exhibition by Shin Kyungchul
On View Until December 30
A World Seen Through Light-Sensitive Eyes
Showcasing Works in Charcoal as Well as Pencil
Unveiling New Sculptures Resembling Clumps of Light
Twelve years ago, due to the aftereffects of surgery for deteriorating eyesight, Shin Kyungchul became extremely sensitive to light. The landscapes he used to see would overlap, scatter, and blur, often fragmenting before his eyes. Wanting to show others the world as he sees it, he picked up a brush.
On the 13th, artist Shin Kyungchul is posing for a commemorative photo in front of his work at Rian Gallery Seoul in Jongno, Seoul. Photo by Seomideum
His creative process consists of four main stages. First, he uses a grinder and sandpaper to create a smooth, chalkboard-like surface, then selects the image he wants to depict-sometimes coming up with ideas himself, other times downloading patterns from the internet. The next step is painting. Over three to four weeks, he thickens the paint by stirring it, then uses a coarse brush to apply color before drawing the image with a pencil.
Usually, drawing comes first, followed by coloring. However, Shin Kyungchul reverses this order, a habit that originated from his coloring games in middle school. At a press conference held on November 13 at Rian Gallery Seoul in Jongno, Shin explained, "When I was in middle school, I would doodle with a highlighter and then outline the shapes with a black pen. The way the image appeared completely inverted was fascinating and fun to me. That's what inspired me to express that playfulness in my work."
Because of his sensitivity to light, his works often feature golden or gray tones, reflecting the world as he sees it. Another key aspect of Shin Kyungchul's art is that the shapes change depending on the viewing angle. He said, "My works are influenced by the refraction of surrounding lights, so they might not be visible from the front. The appearance changes depending on whether you look from the side, above, or below." For this reason, he believes Rian Gallery Seoul is the perfect venue for his exhibition, especially since the entrance to the underground gallery is structured so visitors look down from above. He added, "I really love the underground space at Rian Gallery. The tension of looking down from above is incredibly appealing."
This exhibition also features charcoal works from the "T-Here-D" series. These are created by applying an undercoat to paper, drawing lines with charcoal, and then using hands, pastels, and erasers to add traces-sometimes rubbing or leaving areas where the charcoal does not adhere. During his process, he also attaches leftover clumps of paint from his palette directly onto the paper, visualizing the passage of time and reconstructing layers of sensation on a single sheet.
Sculptural works are also being unveiled for the first time. One day, seeing sunlight streaming through his studio window and illuminating clumps of paint on his palette like particles of light inspired him to intentionally create sculptures based on this impression.
Art critic Yoo Jinsang, a professor at Kaywon University of Art & Design, commented, "I don't know of anyone who works in the lower register and visible spectrum quite like Shin Kyungchul. His low tones and saturation create incredible detail. I believe he has opened a new chapter in Korean painting." The exhibition runs until December 30.
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