Gallery MEME in Seoul presents “Objemage(Objet+Image)” a solo exhibition by artist Kwon Dae Hun running from October 23 to December 27, 2024. Through an intricate interplay of light, shadow, memory, and form, Kwon’s latest collection exemplifies his approach to contemporary sculpture and painting, challenging conventional boundaries and questioning the nature of visual perception. This exhibition, titled a blend of “Objet” (object) and “Image,” seeks to present forms that bridge traditional techniques with new perspectives on sculpture and painting, offering viewers a philosophical meditation on form and identity.

Known for his reflective approach to visual art, Kwon Dae Hun introduces concepts rooted in existential perception. In a 2020 exhibition themed “Still in the Forest,” he explored the delicate relationship between perception and reality, inspired by a personal experience of becoming disoriented in a forest. It was here that Kwon realized how psychological states could alter visual perception, as trees transformed into human-like shapes before his eyes. This led him to investigate how experiences are etched into memory, shaping both personal aesthetics and our understanding of form.

In "Objemage," Kwon uses carefully curated lighting to cast dual perceptions on his sculptures, blending the artificial with the organic to create what he calls a "dual embodiment." His works appear to emanate light from within, bridging the boundary between sculpture and painting, while external light sources in the gallery create contrasting illusions that continuously shift as viewers move. This layered interplay invites audiences to engage deeply, reminding them that seeing is more than a simple biological act; it involves memory, imagination, and introspection. Kwon’s pieces thus invite reflection on how each viewer’s unique experiences and emotions impact their perception of the physical world.

The exhibition includes several key works that showcase Kwon’s inclusive approach, merging sculpture, painting, and drawing into a unified form. By forgoing strict distinctions between genres, he creates a multidimensional narrative that celebrates both tradition and innovation. His approach to form and light emphasizes the vital role that boundaries play in constructing meaning, yet Kwon warns against rigid boundaries that limit creativity. Rather, he argues, we should see boundaries as flexible structures that facilitate a harmonious blend of genres, allowing each element to enhance the other.

Shim Sang Yong, Director of the Seoul National University Museum of Arts, describes Kwon’s work as an endeavor to "save the image," a phrase capturing the artist's intent to restore depth and vitality to modern art. Kwon’s focus on memory as a core element of his creative process reflects his desire to create art that resonates with human experience and emotion. By grounding his work in traditional techniques while integrating innovative perspectives, he aims to redefine sculpture in a way that is both inclusive and exploratory.

In particular, Kwon draws inspiration from impressionist concepts of light, reminiscent of Monet’s work, which emphasizes the interdependence of light and nature. Kwon’s art, however, goes further by including elements of surrealism and psychological depth, presenting light not merely as illumination but as an agent of transformation. His pieces explore how light and shadow, reality and imagination, coexist in ways that allow viewers to experience layered realities. Each work reflects Kwon’s belief in art’s power to transcend temporal boundaries and engage viewers in an existential dialogue.

Kwon Dae Hun’s “Objemage” marks a bold response to postmodern theories that deconstruct traditional art forms. By reaffirming the importance of boundary and form, he seeks to counter the aesthetic relativism that often dominates contemporary visual art. Through his art, Kwon challenges the notion that deconstruction leads to novelty, instead arguing that creativity and meaning are best achieved through thoughtful engagement with tradition and form. His philosophy promotes an art form where continuity and innovation coexist, giving way to an enriched, multidimensional aesthetic.

Through “Objemage,” Kwon invites the audience to reconsider what it means to truly "see." His works encourage viewers to engage with art in ways that go beyond surface observation, exploring the deeper dimensions of memory, emotion, and imagination that make each perception unique. By bridging the classical and the contemporary, Kwon opens a pathway for new interpretations of visual art that remain deeply connected to the human experience.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com