Gallery Joeun will host Identity, a solo exhibition by Sung Yeonhwa, from December 5, 2024, to January 4, 2025. Recognized as a rising “blue-chip” artist in Korea, Sung presents her 9th solo exhibition, which serves as a meaningful year-end gift for art enthusiasts. The exhibition explores themes of time, fleeting emotions, and the essence of identity, expressed through her distinctive artistic language of abstraction.
Sung Yeonhwa’s journey began with her studies in calligraphy at Keimyung University in Daegu, followed by further exploration of modern abstract calligraphy in Japan. By merging traditional Korean paper, or Hanji, with calligraphy, she has developed a unique form of visual expression that bridges tradition and innovation. Her works, often characterized by their harmony of restraint and emptiness, have garnered significant attention in the domestic art scene, with notable successes such as achieving sold-out status at major exhibitions and art fairs.
Internationally, Sung’s work has been equally well-received, with exhibitions in France, Spain, and the United States. Her participation in prominent events such as the 2021 LA Art Show, the 2022 Focus Art Fair Paris, and Art Miami resulted in complete sell-outs of her collections. Sung’s growing reputation has also extended into commercial ventures; her pieces were featured in high-profile advertisements for the Samsung Galaxy Watch (2023, featuring Son Heung-min) and LG Ilroom (2023, featuring BTS’s RM), underscoring her versatility and widespread appeal.
The Identity exhibition offers an introspective look into Sung’s artistry, with works that depict the interplay between past and present, the passage of time, and fleeting moments of emotion. Her approach, rooted in the aesthetics of restraint and minimalism, is exemplified by three major series: Identity, her signature series; Serenity, which captures warmth through brown tones; and Flow, a series that has gained widespread admiration for its evocative depiction of movement and emotion.
The exhibition features 25 new works, including smaller pieces, large-scale 120-ho paintings, and installation art, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Sung’s use of impromptu yet controlled brushstrokes stands out in this collection, offering both a meditative and dynamic exploration of emotion and time.
The carefully curated collection invites viewers to delve into the artist’s creative process and the emotional depth behind her works. Each piece reflects Sung’s ability to harmonize traditional materials with contemporary aesthetics, making her art universally resonant.
Gallery Joeun, located in Seoul, provides the perfect setting for this thought-provoking exhibition, which runs through January 4, 2025. Art enthusiasts and collectors alike are encouraged to explore the profound emotional landscapes and aesthetic innovation presented in Identity.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
