Renowned South Korean photographer Yunho Kim is set to present his long-awaited solo exhibition, "Dear ___," at ONE AND J. Gallery in Seoul. Running from February 6 to March 7, 2025, this marks Kim’s return to the art scene after an eight-year hiatus, unveiling 18 new works that reflect his deeply personal artistic evolution.

Born in 1971, Kim has consistently explored the fundamental nature of photography, questioning its role and significance in a world saturated with images. His early works, including "Society that Makes Us Do" (2002) and "The Tedious Landscape" series (2001–2003), captured Korea’s rapid modernization and its impact on urban spaces. Later projects such as "Postcards" (2004–2006) and "The Fifth Travel" (2007) examined the nature of travel and perception, while "SAJINJEON" (2010) redefined landscape photography through conceptual experimentation.

Since 2017, Kim’s artistic focus has shifted inward. Moving away from a documentary-style approach to the external world, he turned his lens toward personal introspection, capturing ordinary moments infused with his reflections. This transition was notably documented on his Instagram (@trulyblessedyunho), where he paired images with self-reflective texts in a dialogue-like format. These writings initially shared in an open digital space, now form the foundation of "Dear ___," transforming personal musings into tangible works of art.

The exhibition presents a range of mixed-media pieces, blending pigment prints on canvas with handwritten text and acrylic elements. Among the works on display, "godeulppaegi" (2017–2025) symbolizes resilience through the image of a wildflower growing in the cracks of concrete, while "byeol" (2017–2025) evokes childhood dreams beneath the night sky. Other notable pieces include "gugu" (2017–2025), which offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the world, and "bang-ul tomato" (2017–2025), a meditation on identity and perception.

Each artwork is accompanied by a QR code, allowing viewers to access the original Instagram posts that inspired the pieces. This multi-layered presentation—combining physical prints, handwritten narratives, and digital reflections—encourages audiences to engage with the works from various angles, challenging conventional distinctions between photography, painting, and text.

As an artist, son, husband, and father, Kim’s exhibition transcends traditional artistic boundaries, posing fundamental questions about existence and creative expression. The open-ended title, "Dear ___," invites viewers to interpret the works in a way that resonates personally, making the exhibition an intimate yet universally relatable experience.

Established in 2005, ONE AND J. Gallery has played a crucial role in promoting contemporary Korean art globally. The gallery represents notable artists such as Kang Hong-gu, Kwon Kyung-hwan, and Seo Dong-Wook, and has participated in major international art fairs including Art Basel and Frieze. In 2018, it became the first Korean gallery to receive the prestigious Baloise Art Prize at Art Basel, cementing its reputation as a leading force in the art world.

Yunho Kim’s "Dear ___" is more than a return to the art scene—a profound exploration of self, memory, and artistic reinvention.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com