Gallery Sein in Gangnam, Seoul, will host Jang Uk Hee’s 21st solo exhibition, Says, It Was Love, from January 7 to February 7, 2025. Known for her innovative use of living plants as a central medium, Jang explores the deep connection between humanity and nature, offering a poignant commentary on ecological balance, coexistence, and life’s cyclical nature. Her work reflects not only her artistic philosophy but also her deeply personal relationship with the natural world.

Jang’s approach to art challenges the conventional use of artificial objects as subjects, instead opting for living plants that transform the gallery space into a microcosm of nature itself. The artist’s creative journey began in childhood, when her fascination with the natural changes of the seasons, particularly the transformation of trees, planted the seeds for her artistic vision. These experiences instilled a sense of reverence for the resilience and cyclical regeneration inherent in the natural world.

In her current exhibition, Jang delves into the dual symbolism of potted plants. While these plants signify human care and cultivation, they also represent control and confinement, raising questions about the ethics of altering nature for human convenience. Her works use materials such as thread, plastic, and stainless steel to highlight the tension between the organic and the artificial. For instance, in Says, It Was Love (2024), plants are intertwined with synthetic elements, symbolizing humanity’s paradoxical tendency to nurture while simultaneously limiting the natural world.

Through this interplay of materials, Jang captures the complex emotions tied to humanity’s relationship with nature, such as care, domination, and guilt. Her works transcend mere representation, portraying plants as living entities with agency and vitality. By doing so, she emphasizes their role as integral parts of the ecological cycle and as partners in humanity’s shared existence on Earth.

Jang’s critique extends to humanity’s broader ecological footprint, as she reflects on the environmental disruptions caused by human intervention. Her works convey a plea for a more harmonious coexistence with nature, urging viewers to consider the ethical implications of their actions. Her use of vibrant greenery and life-like compositions imbues the exhibition with a sense of hope, portraying nature not as a victim but as a resilient force capable of renewal and survival.

The exhibition invites visitors to contemplate the interconnectedness of life, offering a profound exploration of themes such as survival, cyclical renewal, and ecological harmony. Jang Uk Hee’s Says, It Was Love stands as both an artistic and philosophical statement, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable and compassionate interactions with the natural world. This exhibition promises to leave a lasting impact on viewers, prompting a deeper awareness of the fragile yet enduring relationship between humanity and nature.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com