The art exhibition Moon Over September by renowned artist Nam Jae Hyun has officially opened at E.N. Gallery in Pyeongchang-dong, Seoul. This highly anticipated showcase runs from September 14 to October 13, 2024, and invites visitors to experience the warmth and abundance of autumn through the lens of Nam’s captivating new works.

As September brings cooler breezes and the rise of the full moon, Nam’s art reminds viewers of the upcoming Chuseok holiday, a time for gathering with family and reflecting on the bountiful blessings of the season. The artist’s new series explores these themes, drawing inspiration from nature and the serene beauty of the full moon.

Nam Jae Hyun’s artistic journey is rooted in East Asian traditions. A graduate of Seoul National University, where he studied both Oriental Painting and Visual Design, Nam has continued his exploration of the concept of "utopia" in East Asian art, which has been a prominent theme since ancient times. His works reflect the ideals of the Sansuhwa (Korean landscape painting), particularly the notion of an idealized natural world that serves as an escape from the psychological struggles of reality.

Nam’s latest works delve into this age-old pursuit of utopia, blending historical references with contemporary sensibilities. The full moon, a symbol of hope and desire in Korean culture, particularly during Chuseok, plays a central role in his paintings. The moon is not just an object of natural beauty, but also a metaphorical gateway to an ideal world—one that holds the wishes and dreams of those who gaze upon it.

The pieces in Moon Over September are created using traditional techniques, with vibrant colors meticulously applied on jangji (traditional Korean mulberry paper). This medium allows Nam to evoke the ethereal qualities of nature while grounding his work in the long-standing tradition of East Asian painting.

Visitors to the exhibition will be struck by Nam’s ability to blend the personal and the universal, offering both a visual and emotional experience. His depiction of the full moon, floating amidst autumn landscapes, invites viewers to reflect on their desires for peace and happiness, much like the East Asian paintings of old that sought to offer a vision of an ideal life.

As Nam explains, his work not only draws from historical themes but also speaks to contemporary feelings of dissatisfaction with reality. Through nature, and especially through the recurring motif of the moon, he creates a utopia that resonates with modern viewers.

Nam’s artistic approach is one of contemplation and deep connection to nature, as he explores both its physical and symbolic dimensions. The Moon Over September exhibition is an invitation to consider the beauty of nature and how it can serve as a mirror for human emotions and aspirations.

This exhibition promises to offer a moment of serenity and reflection, blending the aesthetic richness of traditional East Asian painting with a modern interpretation of life’s desires and struggles.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com