From October 16 to October 22, 2024, Gallery Geurimson in Insadong, Seoul, will host the solo exhibition Symbiosis (共生) by artist Jeon Tae-won. The exhibition, part of the Kangwon Gallery Emerging Artist program, presents a unique collection of works inspired by the artist’s decades-long journey of transforming discarded books into sculptural forms resembling stones and waves. The exhibit highlights the artist’s commitment to minimalism and his deep connection to Chuncheon’s natural landscapes.

Jeon Tae-won has spent over 20 years collecting and breaking down old books into fine fragments, which he carefully layers to create textured, stone-like structures. His Waves and Stones series is the centerpiece of this exhibition, showcasing the contrast between natural and artificial elements. The artist has stated that his work with paper and its integration into minimalistic forms symbolizes the passage of time, as well as the cyclical nature of life. Through his muted, monochromatic pieces, Jeon captures the subtle play of light on these objects, evoking the changing seasons and weather conditions.

In an interview, Jeon explained the deeper meaning behind his series, emphasizing that the play of light in his works mirrors the changing environment of Chuncheon, his hometown. "My 'Waves and Stones' are inspired by the ripples on Soyang River and the gentle undulations of Lake Uiam," he says. "I aim to capture the ever-changing quality of light — from dawn to dusk, from spring to winter — and express it through color and form. These works are my tribute to Chuncheon, where I was born and where I will continue to live."

The exhibition, titled Symbiosis (共生), extends beyond a mere reflection on nature; it delves into the relationship between the artist and his surroundings, particularly his attachment to the city of Chuncheon. His process of recycling discarded materials into art offers a subtle commentary on sustainability and the idea of coexistence between humans and the environment. The use of old books, which once carried knowledge and stories, reimagined as stones, embodies the transformative power of art to create new narratives from old, forgotten elements.

Jeon's work also touches on the concept of permanence and impermanence. Stones, traditionally symbols of durability and solidity, are here rendered in a fragile medium — paper — reflecting the artist’s nuanced understanding of the fleeting nature of time. His minimalist aesthetic emphasizes the delicate balance between strength and fragility, while the layered paper compositions invite viewers to contemplate the impermanence of materiality.

The Symbiosis exhibition is not just a visual experience, but a philosophical one. Jeon’s art bridges the gap between past and present, traditional and modern, and natural and man-made. His meticulous process of layering paper to create stone-like structures is emblematic of the artist’s broader reflection on human existence and the need to reconnect with nature in an increasingly industrialized world.

As a key participant in the Kangwon Gallery Emerging Artist exhibition, Jeon Tae-won’s work represents the future of Korean contemporary art. His ability to take simple, often overlooked materials and transform them into profound artistic expressions speaks to his skill and vision. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to witness not only Jeon’s artistic talent but also his commitment to environmental consciousness and the importance of preserving both cultural and natural landscapes.

The Symbiosis exhibition promises to offer a thought-provoking exploration of the themes of time, nature, and coexistence, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with the world around them.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com