A Display of 49 New Paintings Reflecting Emotions Within Moments of Silence

Courtesy of GALLERY2

GALLERY2 is hosting the "Oh! Silence" exhibition featuring artist Yoo Changchang. The exhibition showcases 49 new works and is open to the public until November 11, 2023.

Yoo's art is deeply influenced by the interplay of sound and silence in his creative process. He often works with videos or music playing in the background, and when the audio suddenly stops, the ensuing silence triggers a rush of thoughts and emotions within him.

These inner voices and emotions, which he describes as something accumulated throughout his life, become the catalyst for his artistic expression. In "Oh! Silence," his paintings reflect the multitude of voices and feelings that wash over him during moments of disrupted quiet. 

▲ Yoo Changchang, My Comedy, acrylic, oil, animation paint, gouache, paint marker, fabric ink, nail polish, colored pencil on canvas, 162.2 x 130.3 cm, 2023, Courtesy of GALLERY2

The exhibition-title, "Oh! Silence," reflects the sense of awe, admiration, and lament that emerges from his inner dialogue. The artworks feature character manifestations on canvas, each with distinct forms, expressions, and energy. These characters are a representation of the multiplicity of selves within the artist, each with its own personality and complex emotions.

The artist's "Why!" series of paintings portrays multiple characters reacting differently to the same situation, highlighting the range of emotional responses such as surprise, anger, and curiosity. The relationship between action and reaction takes center stage in this series, showcasing the nuanced variations in responses to the same words or situation.

Yoo Changchang intentionally introduces a femur-like bone as a visual element in some paintings to create a barrier for the viewer, adding depth and perspective to the artwork. He believes that this distancing device enriches the overall painting. 

▲ Yoo Changchang, Why!, acrylic, oil, animation paint, gouache, paint marker, fabric ink, nail polish, colored pencil on canvas, 145.5 x 89.4cm, 2023, Courtesy of GALLERY2

The artist's emphasis on figures is a central element of his work, with the characters evolving spontaneously as he works on the canvas. The placement of figures on the canvas against the backdrop of varying backgrounds and colors creates a mise-en-scène, each telling a unique story.

In Yoo Changchang's artistic process, these figures take on a life of their own, inviting other characters to join the narrative. The placement and interaction of these figures resemble the lines of dialogue in a theater play, completing the essential components of a stage play.

The "Oh! Silence" exhibition invites viewers to delve into the complex interplay of emotions and voices that shape Yoo Changchang's captivating artworks.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com