The solo exhibition “Couturage, Nouage” by Shin Sung Hy is set to close on March 16, 2025, marking the final opportunity for audiences to experience the artist’s groundbreaking contributions to Korean contemporary painting at Gallery Hyundai.

This retrospective highlights Shin Sung Hy’s artistic journey spanning over four decades, showcasing thirty-two major works that reflect his continuous evolution and experimentation with form and space. His work is renowned for its radical deconstruction of the traditional flat canvas, transforming it into a multidimensional space where events unfold dynamically.

At the heart of the exhibition is Shin’s nouage (knotted-canvas) series (1997–2009), considered the pinnacle of his artistic legacy. This technique, which involves physically manipulating the canvas through weaving and knotting, redefined the boundaries of painting in Korea and established Shin as one of the most innovative figures in the country’s modern art history.

A significant highlight of the exhibition is the unveiling of previously unseen works, including "Empty Heart" (1971), a trilogy that won the Special Award at the 2nd Korean Art Grand-Prix Exhibition—a landmark moment in Korean art history. Additionally, visitors can explore key works from the 1990s to 2009, the final years of the artist’s career, many of which are being exhibited publicly for the first time.

Shin’s artistic path was characterized by transformative shifts approximately every decade, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of redefining the medium of painting. His exploration of space, structure, and materiality broke conventional boundaries, emphasizing the physical presence of the artwork beyond mere visual perception.

Critics and scholars widely recognize Shin Sung Hy’s work as a crucial intersection between painting and sculpture, blending elements of Western abstraction with uniquely Korean sensibilities. His nouage technique, in particular, is seen as a radical departure from traditional painting, positioning him as a leading figure in the avant-garde movement in Korea.

With just days left before the exhibition’s closing, this is the final chance to witness the evolution of an artist who redefined contemporary Korean painting. Gallery Hyundai invites visitors to immerse themselves in Shin Sung Hy’s innovative approach, experiencing firsthand the depth and complexity of his visionary work.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com