A new solo exhibition by New York-based South Korean artist Yoon Hyup, NEXT EPISODE: COEXIST, is underway at Tang Contemporary Art Seoul in Apgujeong, Seoul, running from October 19 through November 30. The exhibition, a reflection on urban rhythms and individual introspection, provides an engaging platform for viewers to explore the artist’s latest work. Through a deliberate interplay of simple dots and lines, Yoon captures the fleeting energy of the city, urging viewers to find a sense of inner calm amid the complexities of modern life.
The artist’s pieces explore the concept of urban energy and the emotions that arise from the intersection between personal life and external pressures. By drawing upon both controlled and improvised brushstrokes, Yoon’s works exude the vitality of city life, yet subtly convey the anxieties and vulnerabilities that come with it. According to Yoon, his compositions are inspired by the rhythms and immediacy of urban experience—a visual reflection of speed, spontaneity, and the unique character of city landscapes.
Yoon emphasizes the importance of "slowing down" in a world that often compels individuals to compete and compare. His works offer a momentary escape, inviting viewers to pause and focus on their own experiences and perceptions. In Yoon's words, “In a competitive society, the value of personal time and the ability to truly be present with oneself have become more precious than ever.” This insight forms the thematic core of NEXT EPISODE: COEXIST, making the exhibition an invitation to reconnect with oneself amidst the city's constant pulse.
An essential part of Yoon's artistic vision is his commitment to conveying complex ideas through simplicity. Drawing inspiration from his background in music and street culture, Yoon employs minimalistic elements, such as lines and dots, which evoke the rhythm and spontaneity intrinsic to urban environments. His use of repetition in both form and color is a tribute to the raw vitality of city life, highlighting his fascination with the power of abstraction. His signature style, honed through years of creating large-scale murals and live paintings, skillfully blurs the line between control and improvisation, a duality that reflects the unpredictability of modern urban living.
For this exhibition, Yoon has incorporated unexpected imperfections in his otherwise meticulously constructed forms. The seemingly flawless dots and lines, when viewed closely, reveal subtle irregularities that invite contemplation. This purposeful “incomplete” quality echoes the unpredictable nature of urban life and acts as a reminder that beauty and meaning often lie in the imperfect. The contrast between perceived perfection and actual imperfection draws viewers deeper, encouraging them to engage more intuitively with the artwork and to appreciate the nuanced beauty of “flaws.”
Yoon’s works also pay homage to broader cultural traditions while embodying a distinctly contemporary voice. His compositions are rooted in both modernist aesthetics and Korean abstraction, particularly the Dansaekhwa movement, known for its minimalist, meditative approach. By referencing these historical forms, Yoon forges a dialogue between the present and the past, urging viewers to consider their place within the continuum of art and cultural evolution. This approach, combined with his unique use of materials, emphasizes Yoon’s focus on both continuity and innovation.
In NEXT EPISODE: COEXIST, Yoon encourages viewers to engage not only with his work but with the subtle sensations and reflections it evokes. The exhibition offers a multisensory experience that resonates on an emotional level, reminding us of the need to reconnect with our own sense of self in a world increasingly defined by pace and progress. His work prompts a reconsideration of priorities and values, suggesting that personal peace and connection are fundamental to authentic existence.
With NEXT EPISODE: COEXIST, Yoon Hyup reaffirms his role as an artist capable of synthesizing diverse cultural experiences into a cohesive narrative. The exhibition at Tang Contemporary Art Seoul serves as a compelling reminder of the intricate balance between individuality and collective life in the 21st century. Visitors are invited to experience Yoon’s vision until November 30, offering a rare chance to engage deeply with themes of coexistence, introspection, and urban life’s relentless rhythm.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
