Wooson Gallery, a renowned art institution based in Daegu, has officially expanded to Seoul with the opening of its new branch in Seongbuk-dong. To celebrate the occasion, the gallery is presenting the solo exhibition Life Goes On by French ecological artist Fabrice Hyber. The exhibition is held concurrently in both Daegu and Seoul, with "Energy" as the central theme in Seoul and "Imagination" in Daegu.

Seongbuk-dong, already known for its cultural landmarks such as the Kansong Art Museum, CAN Foundation’s Old House, and Jason Ham Gallery, is emerging as a major art hub. Wooson Gallery’s new space adds to this vibrant landscape. The gallery is housed in a carefully renovated 50-year-old red-brick building, designed by architect Kim Se Jin, whose notable works include exhibition designs for the Venice Biennale and the Leeum Museum of Art.

The Seoul exhibition space spans two floors for exhibitions, with additional VIP spaces on the third floor and basement level. The gallery’s design retains the original brick facade while integrating a contemporary aesthetic, creating an environment that is both classic and sophisticated.

Fabrice Hyber, a versatile artist who bridges art, science, and literature, gained international acclaim as the youngest Golden Lion winner at the 1997 Venice Biennale. His work often explores themes of life cycles and ecological balance, drawing on personal experiences and observations. Notably, Hyber has planted seeds over 30 million square feet of land to recreate forests, symbolizing regeneration and the interconnectedness of life.

One of the featured works in Life Goes On is Toutes les vies (All Lives), which illustrates life’s cyclical nature, depicting fungi growing from the feet of the deceased and hair transforming into roots. Hyber describes his art as intuitive and accessible, aiming to evoke reflections on vitality, sustainability, and hope.

The dual exhibitions in Seoul and Daegu present Hyber’s paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works, emphasizing his engagement with humanity and the environment. Olivier Kaeppelin, the exhibition’s curator, highlights its philosophical depth, calling it “a timely reflection on the relationship between humanity and the earth amid global challenges.”

Wooson Gallery’s expansion to Seoul signals its commitment to creating a bridge between regional and international art communities. With Life Goes On, the gallery invites audiences to engage deeply with themes of ecological consciousness and artistic innovation.

The exhibition runs until February 8, 2025, at both locations, with the galleries closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com