The internationally acclaimed Spanish photography duo Anna and Daniel, celebrated for their inventive and uplifting imagery, are hosting their first solo exhibition in Korea, Happiness Through the Lens: Anna & Daniel. The exhibition, running from December 21, 2024, to March 30, 2025, is being held at the Hangaram Art Museum in Seoul Arts Center and offers an engaging exploration of everyday moments transformed into artistic expressions of happiness.

Anna and Daniel, both born in 1990 and hailing from Valencia, Spain, have gained global recognition for their minimalist yet impactful style. Their works, influenced by their architectural background from Valencia Polytechnic University, combine natural light, everyday objects, and striking simplicity to evoke a sense of humor and wonder. These qualities earned them a place in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the European Arts and Culture category in 2020 and a role as Hasselblad Ambassadors, a prestigious network of influential photographers.

The exhibition showcases over 90 works across four thematic sections: ¡Música, Maestro! (Masters of Music), Curiosities (Curiosity Meets City), Ideas Come True, and What the Hat?!. Each section invites visitors to immerse themselves in the duo’s playful and inventive visual storytelling, which reimagines everyday objects and spaces in delightful and surprising ways. A single hat becomes a captivating focal point, a building façade is transformed into a canvas, and familiar objects like beds or balloons take on new meanings through their witty reinterpretations.

The artists' creative process is as captivating as the final works. Rejecting the use of advanced editing tools like Photoshop, Anna and Daniel rely on natural light and simple props to construct their compositions. Their analog approach stands out in an era dominated by AI and digital manipulation, offering a refreshing warmth and intimacy. Their art invites viewers to find joy in life’s small moments, celebrating simplicity while challenging conventional boundaries between art and everyday life.

In addition to the photographs, the exhibition includes videos showcasing their creative process, along with sketches and props used in their productions. This behind-the-scenes perspective allows visitors to appreciate the meticulous planning and ingenuity that underpin each image. By analyzing objects from multiple perspectives and integrating them into their compositions, Anna and Daniel transform ordinary items into extraordinary visual narratives.

Through their works, the duo delivers a message of positivity and mindfulness, encouraging viewers to pause and find delight in the mundane. Their intuitive use of color, texture, and composition elevates everyday objects to the realm of art, breaking down barriers between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Their ability to combine architectural precision with playful spontaneity has won them a global following and made their art an accessible yet profound celebration of life.

The exhibition’s location at the Hangaram Art Museum further enhances its impact, inviting audiences to step into Anna and Daniel’s whimsical world. As the first Korean showcase of these young European photographers, it provides an opportunity for local and international visitors alike to experience their unique vision.

Tickets for the exhibition are available through Nolwoohan99Tickets, with a 10% discount for early bookings. Visitors can enjoy this journey into joy and creativity from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10 AM and 7 PM, at the Hangaram Art Museum in Seocho-gu, Seoul. With its vibrant themes and heartwarming messages, this exhibition promises to leave audiences inspired and smiling.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com