From December 19, 2024, to January 9, 2025, Hidden M Gallery will host its final exhibition of the year, "When Darkness Calls Light" (어둠이 빛을 부를 때) by Yun Eui Jin. The exhibition features over 20 pieces and delves into the artist’s journey of discovering hope amidst profound darkness, offering a raw and candid narrative.

Yun Eui Jin, known for her radiant and warm paintings, initially sought to become a "bright person." Her works often reflected this aspiration, providing solace not only to her audience but also to herself. However, the artist admitted that her reality was far removed from the beauty of her creations. Grappling with insecurity, Yun resorted to donning metaphorical masks and mimicking others' lives. This detachment led to numerous setbacks and despair.

At a critical juncture, Yun reconnected with her passions and encountered faint glimmers of light. These moments became the foundation of her understanding that hope isn’t distant but lies within reach. She realized that by embracing these fragments of hope, happiness could emerge organically.

Despite this epiphany, Yun wrestled with existential questions about life. She acknowledged that no one can provide definitive answers to why we live. While love for family, friends, and societal responsibilities often counteract thoughts of death, the clarity of life’s purpose becomes evident only when one loves oneself. According to Yun, self-love enables the appreciation of cherished moments and dreams, fostering a sense of hope that is otherwise unattainable.

In her reflections, Yun candidly confessed to a prolonged inability to love herself, rooted in deep-seated self-loathing. Forgiving and understanding herself was a painstaking process, requiring time and effort. Through her art, she found a means to reconcile with her inner struggles, ultimately holding on to what mattered most. This reconciliation allowed her to embrace self-love genuinely.

“I decided not to be ashamed of my darkness anymore. I chose to be proud of the hope I found. This is my story—a tale of overcoming despair in darkness to find hope,” Yun wrote in her notes for the exhibition.

The newfound understanding of hope has led Yun to savor every moment deeply. She now emphasizes capturing fleeting happiness, creating memories, and preserving them as a foundation for future joy. Her artistic vision is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of embracing hope and self-love.

This exhibition, rich in emotional depth and artistic brilliance, offers viewers an intimate glimpse into Yun Eui Jin’s evolution. Her works invite us to reflect on our struggles and the light we all seek, making it a fitting conclusion to the year at Hidden M Gallery.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com