The renowned European-based Korean artist, Chung Eun-Mo, is set to showcase her first solo exhibition in Korea in 21 years at Gallery Baton in Seoul. The exhibition, which opens on October 1, presents Chung’s unique approach to geometric abstraction, focusing on the use of color, line, and chromaticism—key elements of her work that create a poetic and abstract depiction of places she has observed and experienced.
Known for her minimalist yet aesthetically striking paintings, Chung’s work merges strict geometric segmentation with subtle shifts in color, creating a delicate yet dynamic visual experience. The exhibition includes new works where verticals, horizontals, and curves coexist in harmony, resulting in vibrant compositions that echo the artist’s profound understanding of Malevich's abstract art and Albers' Op art. The artist’s ability to evoke a sense of spatial interaction and emotional warmth through her color schemes adds a musical, rhythmic quality to the otherwise structured, geometric compositions.
C2202, 2022, oil on linen, 90 x 60 cm, Courtesy of Gallery Baton
Her approach to color is particularly notable. Chung views color not just as a static element, but as a malleable and tactile substance that transforms space and interacts with light. This dynamic interaction extends beyond the canvas, as she has expanded her practice to include mural paintings and textile works, offering viewers a more immersive and engaging experience.
The artist has lived and worked in Italy since the 1980s, after completing her Master of Fine Arts at the Pratt Institute in New York. Her career spans over four decades, with solo exhibitions held in major cities like New York, Rome, Munich, and Seoul. One of her most highly regarded works was a site-specific installation at the IMMA Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin in 1994. Her work can also be found in prestigious collections such as the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus in Germany, the Ulster Museum in the UK, and the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea in Italy.
The exhibition at Gallery Baton also highlights the evolution of her artistic practice. The works on display reflect the artist’s ongoing exploration of spatial depth and light, resulting in paintings that are both rigid in form yet fluid in their emotional resonance. Gallery Baton notes that these works possess a warmth and sophistication, which subtly contrasts with the normative order of minimalism.
The exhibition, titled “Hangeul Wall: Things I Love to Talk About,” will run until November 9, offering Korean audiences a rare opportunity to engage with Chung Eun-Mo’s distinguished body of work.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
