(Seoul, September 26, 2023 SayArt)- MeeNa Park, a Korean painter, presents her solo exhibition "House," which is open at ONE AND J. Gallery from September 1 to October 22, 2023. 

▲ 〈Rabbit Hole〉, 1999. Inkjet print, watercolor on coloring page, 35.5 x 27.5 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and ONE AND J. Gallery. Photo by artifacts.

In this intriguing show, Park explores the multifaceted concept of 'home,' a term subject to various interpretations influenced by personal and sociocultural factors. She challenges the viewer to confront commonly held stereotypes and biases, examining them through the lens of her art. Utilizing data on current trends in color, symbols, and icons, Park analyzes these elements to understand the nuances of society. Her findings are then vividly translated into paintings characterized by their vibrant colors and distinct icons, displayed on smooth canvases that capture and hold the viewer’s attention.

▲ 〈Maze House〉, 2002. Acrylic on canvas, 152.4 x 122 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and ONE AND J. Gallery. Photo by artifacts.

Since her undergraduate days, Park has been continually engaged in her Drawing series, which originated as coloring books designed for preschool children. These books are not just playful distractions; they are pedagogical tools that teach young learners about basic social norms through figures, numbers, and alphabets. Unlike conventional coloring books, which offer straightforward directions, Park infuses her own subjectivity into her work. She employs a diverse range of mediums, including colored pencils, pens, paints, masking tape, stickers, and stamps, to question and reinterpret societal norms and guidelines.

A standout in the exhibition is the artwork pairing of "Maze House" (2002) and "Rabbit Hole" (1999). These pieces challenge the viewer to break free from conventional perceptions of 'home,' encouraging them to explore the concept in more imaginative and unrestrictive ways.

▲ 〈Cloud 31 House〉, 2023. Acrylic on canvas, 152.4 x 122 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and ONE AND J. Gallery. Photo by artifacts.

Born in 1973 in Korea, MeeNa Park is currently based and works in Seoul. She earned her B.F.A in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design and an M.F.A in Painting from Hunter College, City University of New York. Apart from her current solo exhibition at ONE AND J. Gallery, her work has been showcased at numerous other venues, including Atelier Hermès and Seoul Children’s Museum in 2023, Audio Visual Pavilion in 2020, and Over the Influence in Hong Kong in 2019, among others. Park has received several prestigious awards, such as the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s citation and the first Doosan Yonkang Art Award in 2010. Her art is part of various esteemed permanent collections, including those at MMCA in Korea, SeMA in Korea, and the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art in Korea, to name a few.

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