SH GALLERY SEOUL will open the new year with Koizumi Ryo’s second solo exhibition in Korea, titled "A Ray of Light," starting on February 13, 2025. The Japanese artist, known for his deep engagement with Eastern philosophy and abstract expression, brings his signature "Halo" series to Seoul, exploring themes of light, time, and cyclical existence.
Koizumi Ryo (b.1985) is an artist based in Fukushima, Japan, whose works are deeply rooted in Zen philosophy, mandalas, and the concept of continuity. His abstract paintings integrate traditional Eastern aesthetics with modern techniques, forming a unique visual language that invites both contemplation and emotional resonance. His meticulous layering of oil paint and repetitive circular gestures reflect his introspective artistic process, which revolves around capturing light and movement on canvas.
At the heart of "A Ray of Light" is Koizumi’s celebrated "Halo" series. In this body of work, the artist repeatedly draws circular patterns over thick layers of paint, evoking a sense of endless motion and timelessness. The textured surfaces of his paintings, achieved through numerous brushstrokes, create an interplay between precision and spontaneity, producing compositions where light emerges organically. The "Halo" series takes inspiration from the Zen concept of Enso (圓相)—the hand-drawn circle symbolizing enlightenment, completeness, and the cyclical nature of existence.
Koizumi describes his approach as an attempt to capture light within the painting, stating,
"I apply layers of paint repeatedly, embracing both order and randomness. Through this process, I confine light within the canvas."
His works exude an almost meditative quality, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the interplay of form, texture, and luminosity. The variations in his brushwork and the subtle shifts in tone lend a rhythmic depth to the paintings, mirroring the spiritual and philosophical dimensions that underpin his practice.
SH GALLERY SEOUL will host an opening reception on February 13 (Thursday) from 5 PM to 7 PM, where Koizumi will be present. The exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the artist’s philosophical and deeply personal engagement with light and form. As Koizumi reflects,
"Creating art might be my ray of light in this modern world."
This exhibition, open to the public free of charge, will run until March 8, 2025.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
