Hayoung Eum's latest solo exhibition, The Lingering Grace, opened at 2GIL29 GALLERY in Seoul on January 18 and runs through February 28, 2025. This highly anticipated exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of the intersections between the mundane and the imagined, transforming everyday experiences into rich, visual narratives that speak to the intricacies of human emotion.

The exhibition presents a collection of new works that delve into fleeting, overlooked moments of daily life. By reinterpreting these moments through her unique artistic lens, Eum bridges the realms of reality and fantasy. Her work captures the subtle ironies of life and the complexity of human emotions, making the ordinary extraordinary.

Eum's artistic philosophy is rooted in rediscovering the beauty of routine. Drawing inspiration from repetitive and seemingly mundane daily activities, she transforms personal memories and media-generated imagery into layered, imaginative compositions. Through her creative process, even phrases like "family trip" are reimagined into vibrant, magazine-like tableaux. This distinctive perspective allows viewers to see the every day with a renewed sense of wonder.

The exhibition title, The Lingering Grace, highlights moments where contrasting emotions coexist. Eum finds elegance in absurdity and tranquility in extravagance, crafting works that invite viewers to reflect on the ironies of life and the fluidity of emotions. Central to the exhibition is the idea of transformation—how the immutable becomes mutable and how unnoticed details suddenly demand attention. By documenting these shifts, Eum offers a poignant commentary on emotional resilience and the beauty of impermanence.

Her works go beyond visual appeal to provide solace and foster empathy. Through intricate layers of imagery and symbolism, Eum draws audiences into a fantastical realm where the overlooked gains significance. Her art becomes a bridge, connecting viewers' personal experiences with the universal complexities of human life.

Born in Seoul in 1980, Hayoung Eum holds a BFA in Textile Art and Fashion Design and an MFA in Printmaking from Hongik University. Eum began her career as a fashion illustrator for Vogue Korea in 2006 and became the first Korean artist represented by Lemonade Illustration Agency in the UK, contributing to numerous global projects.

Eum's artistic practice is characterized by her ability to collect and reinterpret media-generated images and texts through a fantastical lens. She seamlessly blends the ordinary with the whimsical, creating works that evoke emotional depth and aesthetic beauty. Her pieces are included in private and institutional collections worldwide, and she continues to actively contribute to the art world through exhibitions and collaborative projects.

Currently serving as a visiting professor at Hongik University, Eum remains committed to nurturing future generations of artists. Her work persistently challenges the boundaries between reality and imagination, offering audiences an opportunity to rediscover the beauty and intricacies of everyday life.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com