Gana Art Nine One bid farewell to its storied gallery space with a poignant final exhibition: Slovenian artist Evgen Čopi Gorišek’s (b. 1994) solo show, Gente di Mare. Running from November 21 to December 15, 2024, the exhibition explores the artist’s trademark faux naïf style, which juxtaposes simplicity with intensity to critique modernity's superficiality and fractured communication.
Evgen Čopi Gorišek’s works often feature figures with blurred facial features and enigmatic smiles, suggesting the hidden layers of human emotion in today’s hyperconnected yet disconnected world. The artist employs a satirical lens to reinterpret fragments of popular culture and the digital age, making his works both thought-provoking and reflective of the complexities of contemporary life.
Curated in collaboration with Matt Black, Gente di Mare addresses the pressing question: what does authentic connection mean in an era dominated by instant communication and fleeting interactions? Through this exhibition, Gorišek delves into the "aesthetics of slowness," advocating for a return to simplicity and depth in both life and art.
The exhibition title, Gente di Mare, draws inspiration from the iconic Italian song by Umberto Tozzi, evoking a serene coastal existence that embraces warmth and genuine human interaction. Gorišek spent the past four years immersing himself in the tranquil rhythms of southern Italy’s seaside, translating his lived experiences into a series of artworks that celebrate life’s understated beauty. Each piece reflects his artistic journey and the profound lessons he uncovered while savoring a slower pace of life.
Gorišek’s new works, debuting in this exhibition, offer a visual ode to the subtle yet profound joys of ordinary existence. Through his playful yet evocative faux naïf technique, the artist captures scenes imbued with warmth, humor, and a quiet reverence for the mundane. The softened expressions and muted tones in his figures hint at a nostalgia for unhurried, genuine interactions—something increasingly rare in today’s rapid world.
Gana Art describes this exhibition as more than a farewell to a physical space; it is a tribute to a slower, richer way of seeing and being. By presenting these works in the heart of bustling Seoul, Gente di Mare encourages urban audiences to reflect on the pace and depth of their own lives.
The collaboration with Matt Black amplifies the thematic resonance of the show. Known for his expertise in bridging contemporary art with broader cultural narratives, Black ensures that Gorišek’s meditative works are not only visually striking but also deeply philosophical. Together, they challenge the audience to reevaluate the way they perceive time, relationships, and beauty.
As Gana Art Nine One prepares to close its doors, Gente di Mare serves as a fitting capstone—an exhibition that encapsulates the gallery’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue between art and society. Visitors are invited to experience this poignant reminder that sometimes, the greatest art lies in rediscovering the beauty of what has always been quietly present.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
