HORI ARTSPACE-ENG

The Magic of Colors Infused with Humanistic Insight

German contemporary artist David Lehmann often uses relatively bright colors, especially yellow. He likes it because it blooms faintly like childhood memories. He frequently employs yellow paint as a device to capture the rhythm of the canvas. For example, he often starts by layering the canvas background with yellow, then sprays pigments on it, gradually erasing colors to seek the overall composition and balance. Lehmann combines the 'layered painting' technique, rooted in Central European painting traditions, with deep inspiration from American abstract expressionism to create his unique style. Therefore, his brushstrokes are precarious, emotional, and sometimes entangled with an almost furious energy."

Two Exhibitions on the Theme of 'Love Hotter Than Death': David Lehmann's Solo Shows

David Lehmann, a prominent young contemporary artist from Germany born in 1987, is holding a solo exhibition in Seoul. The exhibitions, titled "I Believe in Love Again" and "Love is Hotter Than Death," are running simultaneously at Choi & Choi Gallery in Samcheong-dong, and at Hori Art Space and AIF Art Management in Cheongdam-dong, until August 24th.

Lehmann's work is known for its intense colors and organic, dynamic brushstrokes, conveying raw, momentary emotions. He is often regarded as a "new artist setting standards for his peers." The two exhibitions are designed to complement the unique characteristics of each venue and the nature of the artworks. Choi & Choi Gallery hosts "I Believe in Love Again," while "Love is Hotter Than Death" is presented at Hori Art Space and AIF Art Management. The exhibitions feature a total of 42 works, including 32 paintings and 10 drawings."

David Lehmann: 'I Believe in Love Again' and 'Love is Hotter Than Death'

David Lehmann's "Two-Track" Solo Exhibition features a dynamic exploration of life's cycles through his unique layered painting technique. Starting with a canvas covered in a vibrant yellow base, Lehmann applies various pigments to create a richly textured and deeply layered final image. This method, beginning and ending with light, serves as a metaphor for life and the cyclical nature of existence. His works are distinguished by their intense colors and organic, dynamic brushstrokes, which capture and express fleeting emotions.

Lehmann's solo exhibition runs until August 24th at three venues in Seoul: Choi & Choi Gallery in Samcheong-dong, Hori Art Space, and AIF Art Management in Cheongdam-dong. The exhibition showcases 42 pieces, including 32 paintings and 10 drawings, under two different titles. Choi & Choi Gallery presents "I Believe in Love Again," while Hori Art Space and AIF Art Management feature "Love is Hotter Than Death." The titles reflect the distinct characteristics of the venues and the themes of the artworks."

German Artist David Lehmann's Second Solo Exhibition in Korea: The Theme is 'Love'

David Lehmann, recognized as one of the most promising young artists in Germany, is celebrated for his originality and creativity. He has been described as "a new artist setting the standard for his peers." Lehmann's work, grounded in reflections drawn from philosophy, politics, and film, is characterized by a sculptural language that captures subjective emotions and the essence of his subjects, creating an immediate and captivating impact.

His use of a free-form drawing technique, combined with vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes, vividly expresses momentary emotions. Lehmann's process begins with a specially mixed yellow pigment, which forms the foundation of his work. After applying the pigment and preparing the underpainting, he adds multiple layers that eventually obscure the initial yellow. Despite being covered, the yellow continues to dominate the canvas, guiding the flow of the narrative in his art."

"Hotter Than Death, Believing in 'Love' Again": David Lehmann's Solo Exhibition

In his recent paintings, David Lehmann begins with the brightest color on his palette, yellow. He starts by applying pigment onto the canvas, creating an underpainting, and then adds multiple layers on top, gradually covering the initial yellow with a network of colors. This yellow, though faint like a childhood memory, remains visible and guides the flow of the canvas.

Lehmann's layered painting technique is rooted in the Central European painting tradition, but he also draws inspiration from North American Abstract Expressionism. The narrative in his work naturally arises during the painting process itself. In the completed works, the narrative seems to fade into the background, reflecting Lehmann's commitment to fulfilling the mission of the artist."

German Millennial Contemporary Artist David Lehmann Holds Second Solo Exhibition in Korea

German contemporary artist David Lehmann, known for his impressive height of 2 meters and striking appearance, is holding his second solo exhibition in Korea. Similar to his previous exhibition in 2021, this event is being held at Choi & Choi Gallery in Samcheong-dong and at Horim Art Space and AIF Art Management in Cheongdam-dong, running until August 24th.

The exhibition features 42 works, including 32 paintings and 10 drawings, and is presented under two titles that reflect the characteristics of the venues and the nature of the artworks. At Choi & Choi Gallery, the exhibition is titled "I Believe in Love Again," while at Hori Art Space and AIF Art Management, it is titled "Love is Hotter Than Death."

2m Tall 'German Millennial Artist' David Lehmann Holds Second Solo Exhibition in Korea

David Lehmann, a German star artist known for his free-flowing works that traverse both painting and drawing, is holding his second solo exhibition in Korea. Standing 2 meters tall, Lehmann is also noted for his striking appearance. The exhibition runs until August 24th at Choi & Choi Gallery in Samcheong-dong and at Horim Art Space and AIF Art Management in Cheongdam-dong, showcasing 32 paintings and 10 drawings, totaling 42 works.

The exhibition is presented under two distinct titles, reflecting the unique characteristics of the venues and the nature of the artworks. At Choi & Choi Gallery, the exhibition is titled "I Believe in Love Again," while at Horim Art Space and AIF Art Management, it is titled "Love is Hotter Than Death."

"Love is Hotter Than Death": Rising German Artist David Lehmann Expresses Love

Choi Jin-hee, the director of Choi & Choi Gallery, who participated in planning the exhibition, commented, "David Lehmann is a representative artist of German contemporary painting, showcasing a unique young sensibility without being confined to any particular style or genre. He employs a free-form artistic language that traverses both painting and drawing. His prodigious talent was evident from his school days, earning him numerous artist awards and scholarships. In 2016, he was honored with the 'Young Artist Award Grand Prize' presented by the federal state of Brandenburg, Germany.""

David Lehmann's Second Solo Exhibition in Korea: Inner World, Philosophy, Culture, and the Colors of 'Love'

The Choi & Choi Gallery in Samcheong-dong presents "I Believe in Love Again," while Hori Art Space and AIF Art Management in Cheongdam-dong host an exhibition titled "Love is Hotter Than Death," showcasing the works of David Lehmann.

On the 12th, Lehmann met with reporters at Hori Art Space in Cheongdam-dong, where he was asked which color among the vibrant hues in his works he felt was closest to love. He appeared somewhat taken aback by the question and didn't provide a definitive answer, which perhaps was the correct response, highlighting the subjective nature of such inquiries. However, he did emphasize the differences in the 'depth' of love experienced across different age groups.

The exhibition features 42 works, including 32 paintings and 10 drawings. Lehmann's works are characterized by their vivid color palette and organic, dynamic brushstrokes, seemingly expressing raw emotions. Unlike his first exhibition in Korea, this time, there is a noticeable focus on exploring the 'inner world.'"

David Lehmann,

Believung again because Love is hotter than death

David Lehmann's works resonate with a unique sensibility that sets them apart from traditional painting forms. Born in 1987 in Luckau, a small town in East Germany, and raised in Cottbus, Lehmann's two years of private philosophy lessons before formally studying art seem to have influenced his approach.

Inspired by the Old Master paintings he encountered at a museum in Dresden during his middle school years, Lehmann decided to become a painter. He studied painting under Professor Valerie Favre at the Berlin University of the Arts from 2009 to 2014. Since then, he has continued to passionately pursue his career as a full-time artist in his hometown of Cottbus."

David Lehmann 'I believe in love again' ,

Love is hotter than death'

Lehmann's narratives naturally arise only during the process of painting. In the completed works, the narrative seems to increasingly recede into the background, suggesting the artist's intention to remain faithful to the mission given solely to the painter.

Additionally, when specific forms emerge within the complex compositions, the subjects are remarkably diverse and universal. Lehmann absorbs materials like a sponge, transcending cultural and national boundaries, drawing inspiration from literature, film, photography, music, art history, politics, and philosophy. He finds inspiration from various sources, such as the Greek myth of Prometheus, singer PJ Harvey, Dostoevsky's Raskolnikov, the science fiction novel Dune, and the film Free Willy. Lehmann does not differentiate between so-called high culture and popular culture."

[Art & Art People] 'drawing Special Exhibition' by Oh Won-bae

Located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the Horiat Space Gallery has prepared a special exhibition for the 'Family Month' of May. It features the drawing exhibition 'Records, Between Chance and Intent' by artist Oh Won-bae, known as a prominent Buddhist follower in the art world. Oh Won-bae has been expressing his contemplations on human existence through grand and original sculptural language.

A representative from Horiat Art Space said, "We hope that this exhibition by Oh Won-bae, delicately navigating the boundary between chance and intent like walking on a tightrope, will awaken new emotions. It will also be an opportunity to appreciate the discernment of critic Jung Young-mok."

'Buddha's Birthday' Oh Won-bae Drawing Special Exhibition... Horiat Art Space

Oh Won-bae, a leading contemporary Korean artist, has long presented themes on 'human existence' using grand and original sculptural language. This 'Oh Won-bae Drawing Invitational Exhibition,' titled 'Records, Between Chance and Intent,' showcases about 30 drawings and two specially produced large-scale paintings. Oh Won-bae’s drawings are a vivid reflection of his artistic perspective and beliefs. The 'records that stimulate contemplation and imagination' allow viewers to interpret the varied expressions of the world. The spontaneity, formative beauty, and the aesthetics of space crafted by his hands are particularly impressive. "

'200-Degree Baked 'Organic Lacquer' Tableware and Chairs... Solo Exhibition by Woodcarver Han-gyeol

Woodcarver Han-gyeol, known as a master of wood and lacquer, has revealed his presence at the exhibition. Han-gyeol's solo exhibition features about 100 items, including speakers, tableware, furniture, and daily accessories, all reinterpreting the impression of the moon through his artistic vision.

The pieces displayed in this exhibition, ranging from furniture to everyday objects, are made using a long-researched secret method of traditional lacquer, termed 'organic lacquer,' which is both healthy and practical for everyday use. Although the uses and applications of the items vary, they all share a distinctive 'Han-gyeol-like eco-friendly texture' that is exceptional."

'Small Waves Stirring Big Ripples... Unveiling 11 Emerging Artists from ASIAPF

This year, starting with the 'Wavy Wave' exhibition, Horiat Art Space is focusing on discovering and supporting promising emerging artists, shifting from its previous focus on encouraging new challenges for established and mid-career artists. The exhibition does not convene under a single theme but rather highlights the distinct personalities and diversity of the artists, along with their future work prospects. The paths of these 11 emerging artists are like gentle ripples that have not yet stirred into large waves, but they hold dormant potential that is ready to be awakened. This exhibition is designed to encourage and support these emerging artists, highlighting their nascent potential."

'From Emerging to Senior Artists... 'Happy Hori Day' Exhibition

This exhibition showcases a wide range of works from the 70s and 80s senior artists who have led the firm charm and competitiveness of contemporary Korean art, to the younger artists in their 30s and 40s forging new visions. Featured are artworks by Lee Geon-yong with his 'Bodyscape' series, Ahn Chang-hong, a leading figure in Neo-figurative painting, and Kim Nam-pyo, known for his large 200-size sunrise paintings. Additionally, the exhibition includes works by Kang Min-soo, Byeon Woong-pil, Jeong Jo-gyeong, Song Pil, Cha So-rim, Choi Jae, Kang Jun-young, Han-gyeol, Heo Myeong-wook, Nam Ji-hyung, Kim Chan-il, Kim Myung-joo, and Jeong Ji-sook."

'Intuitive Emotionality of Earth's Materiality... "Artist Kim Myung-joo as 'Interpreter of Earth"

Artist Kim Myung-joo, who focuses on deeply exploring existence and purely expressing internal forms, presents three-dimensional works, installations, and drawings using ceramics in the exhibition 'Purified Night'. The title 'Purified Night' is borrowed from composer Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951), reflecting the artist's inspiration from Rainer Maria Rilke’s writings, particularly the notion that "pain is the raw material of existence." Through her work, Kim captures the process of purification from pain, loss, and darkness."

'Artistic Empathy Across Borders: Korea and Germany on 'Existence'"

This collaborative exhibition builds on last year's group show 'Berlin meets Seoul' held in Berlin, introducing 83 selected works by 8 Korean and 8 German artists. While each artist presents works in distinct styles, they collectively explore the themes of 'identity' and 'existence', fostering artistic empathy that transcends national boundaries. The exhibition offers a comparative look at how contemporary artists from these two countries reinterpret these universal themes through their unique cultural lenses."

'140th Anniversary of Korea-Germany Diplomatic Relations Exhibition ‘From Berlin to Seoul'"

Held simultaneously in Gangnam and Gangbuk in Seoul, this exhibition focuses more on differences than similarities, as explained by Representative Choi. It offers an intriguing look into how contemporary artists from both countries establish their artistic identities. Representative Choi Jin-hee stated, "While there are large-scale national and institutional events to commemorate Korea-German relations, I believe that small movements at the level of private companies like ours are also important. It's a great opportunity to introduce German artists in Korea and Korean artists in Germany." Following this, Mario Werbel from Werbel von Luxburg Gallery emphasized, "Seoul is starting to gain significant attention in the global art scene, while Berlin is a hub for art in Europe. The collaboration between these two hip cities is what makes this exhibition meaningful." Kim Yoon-seob, CEO of IF Management, commented, "Recently, interest in Seoul has been centered around the art market. There's been a focus on the monetary value of artworks, sometimes overlooking the vision of the artists. Especially in these times, I believe the true power lies in the artists themselves. I hope through their works, we can truly read into the artists' visions.""

Encounter the Apex of Korean Art

140 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between Korea and Germany: 16 Artists from Both Countries Unite"

To commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Germany, the contemporary art exchange exhibition "From Berlin to Seoul: Beyond the Horizon" opened simultaneously on the 7th at three locations in Seoul: Choi & Choi Gallery in Samcheong-dong, Horiat Art Space in Cheongdam-dong, and IF Lounge. This exhibition follows last year's group show "Berlin meets Seoul" held in Berlin. It features 16 contemporary artists (8 from Korea and 8 from Germany), who have either been based in Berlin or have educational and exhibition experience there, showcasing a total of 83 works."

''Czech Contemporary Artist' Jan Kaláb: "Capturing the Unknown in Geometric Abstraction"

This exhibition, a collaboration between Horiat Art Space (Director Kim Nari) and Regina Gallery (Director Hong Jeong-yeon), marks Jan Kaláb's first solo exhibition in Korea and his second in Asia following his show in Taiwan in March. The displayed works feature ellipses and circles connected in a Möbius strip-like fashion. These pieces, which resemble both abstract paintings and sculptures, emit an ethereal light akin to encountering coral reefs in deep waters, creating a mesmerizing visual illusion. "

Graffiti as Spontaneous and Temporary? Czech Artist Jan Kaláb’s Reinterpretation

The strikingly colorful geometric forms catch the eye first, reminiscent of cellular division, or even lights and planets. These shapes are too specific to be merely abstract, yet too ambiguous to invoke clear references. “I like shapes that are not clearly defined when you look at them,” says Kaláb.

Jan Kaláb began his career as a graffiti artist in the Czech Republic at the age of 15, during a time of political upheaval in Europe, including the reunification of East and West Germany. The collapse of Czechoslovakia’s Communist regime in 1989 opened the borders and awakened the artistic sensibilities of a then-sensitive young Jan. He initially worked as a guerrilla graffiti artist with friends and later, in 2002, he enrolled at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, where he studied and expanded the forms and content of graffiti. The artist defines the essence of graffiti as spontaneity and volume of work, which now underpins his current artistic endeavors."

Unique Forms and Colors in the Abstract World... 'Beyond the Coral Island'

Street art meets abstract painting.

[Jan Kaláb/Artist: "I believe there is something universal that permeates this world and everything in it. That’s why I strive to represent it in the simplest forms possible."] His use of pastel tones and gradient techniques evokes fragments of distant memories.

[Kim Yoon-seop/Art Critic: "Typically, we see graffiti in a 2D, conventional painting context, but Jan Kaláb exhibits a wide range of graffiti art inclinations, from 2D to 3D sculptures, and even dotting that transcends time and space in urban environments."] By using both brushes and spray paints and engaging in installation work, he is unfolding an expanded concept of contemporary art."

Czech Contemporary Artist 'Jan Kaláb' Holds First Solo Exhibition in Korea 'Beyond the Atolls''

POINT Project

Initiated in New York in 2014, this is a unique endeavor by Jan Kaláb to showcase a different kind of graffiti that interacts with the urban environment and its people in various locations. As part of the performance, his artwork becomes a part of the road, and the photographs taken with a specific timing and through the selected perspective of the artist shift viewers' perceptions to different environments, allowing them to experience novelty. Through spontaneous collaborations with strangers in new locations, his work transcends the confines of exhibition spaces, fostering connections that enable interaction with the broader context of the city. Images shot in various cities around the world are available on Jan Kaláb’s Instagram, and this ongoing project aims to culminate in the publication of a photobook."

Dreamlike Representation of 'Aquatic Lifeforms'... Jan Kaláb's First Solo Exhibition in Korea''

"I dreamed of exploring a beautiful world beyond the obvious, a world mysterious and unseen, through the lens of mysterious aquatic lifeforms. These creatures felt so fragile, as if they might disappear one day—not solely due to issues like global warming, but because of my own perceptions, feelings, and imaginations, focusing on beautiful aquatic beings that might vanish if not discovered."

In the circular-shaped works presented by the artist, there exists a duality: the sphere as a presence and the void as an absence. With vivid colors, his pieces encapsulate a strange vitality that embodies both completeness and imperfection, movement and stillness, presenting these coexisting emotions all at once."

'Art Busan 2023' Opening Day Sales Heat Up at BEXCO, Continues Until the 7th '

"Horiat Art Space, participating in Art Busan for the first time, is already achieving notable sales. On the first day, works by Kim Myung-joo, Park Hyo-bin, Cha So-rim, and Jeong Ji-sook were sold, generating excitement at the Horiat booth. Also drawing attention is the solo house installation by artist Cheon Dae-kwang. Entering through the small house's door, visitors find a table with unique patterns and, upon climbing a narrow staircase, discover an attic-like ceiling that offers a panoramic view of the exhibition space. This unique piece at the art fair showcases Horiat Art Space's commitment to promoting the capabilities of its artists."

'Seung Yeon-rye's 'Shalom, Elegant Blessings'... Horiat Art Space Unveils New 'Palm Tree' Artwork'

"Seung Yeon-rye (74), a painter renowned for her vibrant and lively line drawings, captures the rhythm of life in her new work 'Palm Tree'. The piece embodies trees dancing in the breeze. Horiat Art Space, located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and led by director Kim Nari, is hosting an exclusive exhibition of Seung Yeon-rye's works focused solely on the 'Palm Tree' as a motif. The exhibition, opening on the 8th, will reveal new 'drawing paintings' that vividly showcase the outward charm of expansively spread palm trees, rendered with an 'exhilarating touch'.

'Crayon Art... Tropical Trees Swaying in the Wind'

"'Shalom, Elegant Blessings' - A Solo Exhibition by Seung Yeon-rye Featuring Only 'Palm Trees'

Filled with vitality and rhythm, the 'drawing paintings' created using just crayons—a medium typically favored by children during art classes—bring to life the imposing presence of towering trees.

The solo exhibition 'Shalom, Elegant Blessings' by artist Seung Yeon-rye, who has long dedicated her art to depicting 'palm trees', opens on the 8th at Horiat Art Space in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. For those who have traveled to tropical or subtropical regions, the sight of exotic trees dotting the roadsides—known as palm trees, including date palms—is familiar. The works displayed in this exhibition reveal a new depth through the sprawling forms of palm trees depicted in the 'drawing paintings'. Observing Seung's artworks, one can almost feel the palm trees dancing on the canvas, resonating with a sense of liveliness and rhythm.'.

'Painter of Palm Trees... Seung Yeon-rye's Solo Exhibition 'Shalom, Elegant Blessings'#39;

"'Horiat Art Space, located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, and headed by Kim Nari, is hosting the solo exhibition 'Shalom, Elegant Blessing' by artist Seung Yeon-rye (born 1949), from March 8th to 25th. The exhibition consistently focuses on 'Palm Tree' as the sole subject of the artworks.

Seung Yeon-rye has been dedicated to capturing the expansive and outward charm of palm trees through her 'drawing paintings,' offering a new depth to the subject. While one might initially think of Seung as a one-subject artist, to her, the palm tree represents a spiritual connection. This connection defines her artistic journey to uncover the deeper meanings inherent in palm trees. The Bible mentions various trees like olive, fig, grape, frankincense, apple, and mulberry trees, but Seung focuses specifically on the palm tree, highlighting its symbolic and aesthetic significance in her works.'.

'Lessons from the 'Palm Tree' on Canvas: Seung Yeon-rye's 'Shalom, Elegant Blessings' Exhibition'Shalom, Elegant Blessings'

Seung Yeon-rye completes her artworks using only crayons on printmaking paper that provides the right texture, employing a rhythmic repetition of drawn lines. The overall dynamism and vitality of the strokes are distinctive features, and these lines are drawn with a remarkably steady breath throughout the process. Kim Nari, the head of Horiat Art Space, remarked, "The palm tree bears its most fruit after fifty years," adding, "This reflects the life of Seung Yeon-rye, who, like a palm tree, has flourished late in her career after a long period as a steadfast mentor and companion alongside the esteemed artist Lee Geon-yong."

'Kang Min-su, Kim Chan-il, Chae Sung-pil, Choi Young-wook, and Heo Myeong-wook: New Year Special Exhibition'Shalom, Elegant Blessings'

Celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, artists Kang Min-su, Kim Chan-il, Chae Sung-pil, Choi Young-wook, and Heo Myeong-wook have come together to convey a hopeful spirit through their diverse artistic practices encompassing painting, sculpture, ceramics, crafts, figuration, abstraction, tradition, and modernity.

Despite their different genres and techniques, their works resonate with an unexpected harmony, sharing a profound East Asian sensibility. The fusion of traditional and contemporary aesthetics shines through with meticulous craftsmanship. Hosted by Horiat Art Space and IF Lounge in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, in collaboration with Art Chosun, this special New Year's exhibition invites these established artists to simultaneously hold a group show across three venues. Titled "White Rainbow," the exhibition will display 35 works from January 12 to February 18.'.

'Czech contemporary artist'

Jan Kaláb "I put the unknown world into geometric abstraction"

Jan Kaláb, a Czech contemporary artist, will hold his first solo exhibition in Korea titled 《Beyond the Atolls》, in collaboration with HORI Art Space (Represented by Kim Nari) and Regina Gallery (represented by Hong Jung-Yeon). This exhibition is his second solo show in Asia following the one in Taiwan in March 2023. The displayed work has an oval and a round circle connected like a Möbius strip. The work, which looks like an abstract painting or a sculpture, seems to see an illusion that emits fantastic light like a coral reef encountered in deep water.

Graffiti is impromptu and temporary? Reinterpretation by Czech artist Jan Kaláb

The exuberant and emotional celebration of colors is truly mesmerizing. The organic forms that blur the boundary between painting and sculpture take on a different vitality depending on the viewer's perspective. They capture the moment when microscopic cells sprout one by one, evoking a mystical sensation that makes these works truly unique. “I like a form that is not clear when looking at something.”

"Art Busan 2023"...Until the 7th at BEXCO

HORI Artspace, which participated in Art Busan for the first time, is also producing results. On the first day, the HORI Artspace booth, which sells artworks by Kim Myung-Joo, Park Hyo-Bin, Cha So-Rim, and Jung Ji-Sook, is drawing attention by showing the work of installation artist Chen Dai-Goang's house, drawing attention. When you open the door of the small house and enter, there is a table with a unique pattern, and if you go up the narrow stairs, the attic-like ceiling, and you can see the exhibition hall at a glance. You can get a glimpse of HORI Artspace's first mindset to promote the artist's capabilities with works that are not common in art fairs.

“The syringe artist”, Yoon Jong-Seok

Having held a solo exhibition at the same gallery under the title of 《The Deep Surface》, the artist is presenting his new works in two years. The title of the exhibition comes from the book 『Pale Blue Dot』 by astronomer Carl Sagan (1934-1996).

“My work is an emotional reaction to the world. It is also a process of tracking and mining images culled from countless everyday things and relationships, and each of their time in history. We live by rising on the stacked-up traces of the past. The selected images connect us in the present to the past and future. The different motifs mingling together on a canvas are also a way to get to know my current self.”

A painter who only draws palm trees...Seung Yun-Ray’s Invitational Exhibition 'Shalom, Elegant Blessing'

Artist Seung Yun-Ray presents a 'drawing-painting' that shows another depth by borrowing the external charm of a palm tree that stretches out in all directions. Since the palm tree is an object of spiritual communion for artist Seung, it can be seen that author Seung is on a journey to find the true meaning inherent in the palm tree. Many trees appear in the Bible, such as olive trees, fig trees, palm trees, grapevine, citrus trees, apple trees, mulberry trees, but she pays attention to the “Palm tree”.

Lessons from the 'Palm Tree' on canvas... Seung Yun-Ray 《Shalom, Elegant Blessing》

The visual language of Seung Yun-Ray is simple and honest. An artwork is born through the rhythmically repeated line drawing by crayon on cardboard that has a fair amount of texture. Repeating an action at a constant speed would bring Seung to the point of drawing the last leaf stemming from a single or a pair of palm trees. The most dominant feature is the trace of perky and vibrant strokes, and you cannot neglect the fact that the process of drawing those lines requires a calm rhythm in incredibly stable breathing.

CEO Nari Kim said, "Palm trees bear the most amount of fruit after 50 years. " "The life of artist Seung, who has been a strong guardian and companion with artist Lee Kun-yong for a long time, and later draws attention as an artist, is also similar to this," she said.

Kang Min-SooㆍKim Chan-IlㆍChae Sung-PilㆍChoi Young-WookㆍHuh Myoung-Wook

Greeting 2023 “The Year of the Hare” Special Exhibition

Painting and sculptures, ceramics and crafts, figurative and non-figurative, traditional and modern. Kang Min-Soo, Kim Chan-Il, Chae Sung-Pil, Choi Young-Wook, and Huh Myoung-Wook, who are working on different works, unite to convey hopeful energy in the New Year of the Hare. Although the genres and techniques are different, they show unexpected harmony. A deep oriental sensibility interacts. The meeting of the modern aesthetics fused with the tradition shines through the craftsmanship with meticulous perfection.

HORI Artspace, New Year's Special Exhibition 《White Rainbow》

Greeting 2023 “The Year of the Hare” Special Exhibition

In the spirit of greeting the new year, Art Chosun Space, HORI Artspace, and AIF Art Management has collaborated a special exhibition 《White Rainbow》 with 5 invited artists - Kang Min-Soo, Kim Chan-Il, Chae Sung-Pil, Choi Young-Wook, and Huh Myoung-Wook. In all three places, you will be able to find “the kind of beauty that can come through when the traditional and the contemporary, roughness and softness, structural and planar, and light and shadow are juxtaposed”. We look forward to seeing the five different characters release each of their own taste and aesthetic discourse in rich sensitivity, just as “a white cloud that conceals a rainbow”.

The first solo exhibition at the gallery of distinguished large-scale installation artist Chen Dai-Goang

Last year, artist Chen Dai-Goang drew great deal of attention by showcasing a small ‘city’ consisting of various materials and forms on the front lawn of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art(MMCA), Cheongju.

Chen Dai-Goang's style of work can be defined as a 'comprehensive world of work that crosses sculpture, installation, painting, crafts, and architectural areas’. He graduated from the College of Arts at Dongguk University and Münster Kunst Academy in Germany, and completed his Meisterschüler course. Also he has participated in Anyang Public Art Project(2019), Changwon Sculpture Biennale(2014) and so on.

Installation artist Chen Dai-Goang, The first gallery exhibition at the HORI Artspace

The first solo exhibition of distinguished large-scale installation artist Chen Dai-Goang is held on 1st November under the auspices of HORI Artspace and the planning of AIF Art Management.

For this solo exhibition, 《Light Dim and Ethereal》, Chen also created structures of geometric patterns by cutting translucent acrylic plates with lasers. Kim Nari, CEO of HORI Artspace, said, "The first impression of the work is a bit rigid, but the more you look at it, the warmer sensibility they can tell. The viewers can also find the power of the artist’s concentration in a thoroughly calculated structural completeness." And Kim Yoon-Seob(CEO of the Aif art management) introduced, "The texture of the extremely modern and urban material called acrylic is added with subtle lighting, creating an unembellished and even nice ambience."

You Hyeon-Kyeong's solo exhibition, 《Painting, as another method for a meeting》

The solo exhibition by You Hyeon-Kyeong (1985-), who works between Berlin, Germany, and Seoul, Korea, is held under the title of 《Painting, as another method for a meeting》. This solo exhibition is specifically organized to consist of only portrait paintings, which characteristics of her paintings are vividly explicit. You Hyeon-Kyeong's paintings are inexorable in any one part. It is a picture drawn by hand faster than the brain recognizes. As if looking at one of Korean traditional painting's brush methods called “일필휘지, (Il Pil Whi Ji)” which means dashing off with one stroke of a brush, her brush stokes without hesitation fills up the entire canvas with lively energy no matter how big the canvas is. Such brushstrokes are impossible without confidence. It is the result of a combination of artistic beliefs and skilled formative experimentation.

Transferred ‘relationships formed through various emotional communication’ to canvas… Artist You Hyeon-kyung's Solo Exhibition

Most of her paintings are the ones in which the artist transferred the ‘relationships formed through various emotional communication’ felt in everyday situations into the canvas based on her own emotion. Her works, on the one hand, started with relationship-oriented ones, but they deserve to be evaluated as presenting a ‘new creating way of an existential time zone’ that even makes the relationship itself be forgotten as they are getting closer to reaching their conclusion. These characteristics of her paintings are vividly explicit mainly in the form of portraits. So, this solo exhibition is specifically organized to consist of only portrait paintings.

From Lee Kun-Yong to You Hyeon-Kyeong, 《The Birth of Art》, an exhibition by 12 Korean artists

A grand exhibition will be held where the viewers can vividly experience the artistic capabilities in person. Korean artists from their 70s to 30s, including leading artists Lee Kun-Yong, Suh Yong-Sun, Oh Won-Bae, veteran artists Min Byung-Hun, Kim Nam-Pyo, Byen Ung-Pil, Yoon Jong-Seok, Song Feel promising artists Kang Jun-Young, Park Kyung-Ryul, Park Hyo-Bin, and You Hyeon-Kyeong, will present various art genres, such as paintings, sculptures, installations, and videos in one place.

Draw and erase... How paintings are born 《The Birth of Art》 which is held on the first floor of the Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center

The artist took off his shoes. He took off his socks and squatted down on the blue paper with his bare feet. With white inked brush in one hand, he drew a half circle as long as a person's arm length allows. As you move your arms to the right and left, the lines pile up. A barefoot artist advances slowly over the lines he has drawn many times. This is Lee Kun-Yong's <Snail's Gallop>, one of the representative Korean avant-garde artists. The artist presented the work at the São Paulo Biennial in 1979 and became a major artist in the art scene.

What is more visible in the dark, 'Origin-Instant Landscape'

Since the sun shines on the moon and its reflection makes the landscape of our earth deeper, that 'depth' is probably related to the 'depth' of oriental contemplation.

- In the Interview

The dark landscape adds to its depth on the carpet instead of the canvas. It is to raise faux fur strands one by one with sharp tools such as fingers or needles. Even in painting, mixing black oil paint with graphite creates a dark color rather than just black. Paradoxically, the reason why the artist is so obsessed with darkness is because the world has been so bright and the artworks also become colorful.

The German artist Philip Grözinger asks "WHY SO SERIOUS?"

The show will be unveiled simultaneously in three different locations(CHOI&CHOI Gallery in Samcheong-dong, and HORI Artspace and AIF Lounge in Cheongdam-dong) in Seoul, until 25 August.

"Everything collapses, but nothing completely disappears." The world was engulfed in fear due to the COVID-19, but the world goes around again. "All beings just lead to eternal repetition." So, "don't lose your sense of humor even at the end of the universe," Philip Grözinger (50) conveys a message through his paintings.

The anxiety and fear of modern society...The artist's solution is humor and optimism

The anxiety, depression, and fear that people experience are also of interest to artists. What perspectives and solutions do German artists who exhibited their works in Korea offer? The artist prefers space as a background for his paintings. For him, outer space is a stage on which the world can be depicted and invented anew, far removed from any faithful representation of our earthly reality. However, the universe is a place where anxiety and chaos are hard to avoid.

HORI artspace-AiF art management, 30 million won donation from exhibition proceeds

HORI artspace(CEO Kim Nari) and AiF art management(CEO Kim Yoon-Seob) delivered 30 million won in humanitarian aid to the Korean Red Cross(Chairman Shin Hee-Young) for the Ukraine crisis on Monday, the 16th. This donation was prepared with the proceeds of an exhibition planned by HORI and AIF, in which 16 artists participated, and will be used to support Ukraine through the Korean Red Cross.

CEO Kim Nari and Kim Yoon-Seob, co-planners who attended the delivery ceremony, said, “We participated in this donation by gathering the hearts of the artists who participated in the exhibition, and we learned that art can create a better world together and share a good influence. It was very rewarding to become a member of the group,” he said, expressing his feelings, “I hope it will be a small hope for Ukrainian refugees.”

Yoon Byung Rock "My dream is to become a world-recognized apple artist"

“I want to be remembered as a painter who delivered joy, and globally-recognized apple-motif painter.” No matter what, the “Apple painting = Yoon Byung Rock” formula is already a pronoun...If you wish to collect Yoon’s new apple painting, you must patiently wait for at least 2 years. The "modified canvas" that breaks away from the standard frame is his another essential characteristic. Also his exclusive pure colors and ingenious canvas construction are achieved through investing intensive labor to each artwork.

The Fund-raising Exhibition 《Art in Faith》 for Ukraine Refugee Relief

In greeting the spring of 2022, HORI Artspace (CEO Nari Kim) held a special exhibition under the title of 《Art in Faith》. It is joined by Korean Red Cross, for the gathered fund will be delivered to the Ukrainian Refugee Relief through the organization. Nari Kim, CEO of HORI Artspace who hosted the exhibition, expressed her wish that, “Through this exhibition, may the Ukrainian refugee children gain even just a small hope despite the suffering they are going through”.

16 artists to help Ukrainian refugee children

The invited artists for 《Art in Faith》 are Gyoung-min Kim, Nam-pyo Kim, Dae-sub Kim, Sung-bok Kim, Sou-sou Kim, Si-hyun Kim, Hyun-sik Kim, Sung-min Park, Ung-pil Byen, Song Feel, Hyeon-kyeong You, Jong-seok Yoon, Kyoung-mi Lee, Lee In, Suk-un Choi and Kiya Kim; 16 artists who donated 3 to 5 pieces each, totaling 81 entries.

Yoon-sub Kim (CEO of AIF Art Management) who oversaw the event commented, “The true power of art shall spread its positive influence when the pain of the era can be shared in the contemporary sensibility. It is my hope that the passion of many artists that twinkle like fireflies will come together and accomplish the incandescence of a lighthouse”.

A new challenge of Director Byung-hun Min, "Healing and Comfort with Jeju Nature"

Staying in Jeju for four years has convinced me that one can be healed through nature and come to bud a new life. Of course, I was always accompanied by movies, art, and life. I don’t intend to just portray my personal agony and hardship of being a director through this exhibition. I believe that by focusing on what one can do to solve the facing problems and what efforts are needed to protect the precious values amidst adversity, it can bring a calming comfort to those who are going through sufferings and struggles of their own. I especially think that those who want to find the meaning of contemplation and quiet meditation will be able to communicate with honesty through this exhibition.

Nari Kim, CEO of HORI Artspace, "New Year, discover and support young directors"

Kim Nari, CEO of HORI Artspace in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, will make a new leap forward as a planning gallery in 2022. At HORI Artspace, as we have focused on artists in the age of 50s since the opening in May 2020, in relation to that we plan to look for young exhibition directors of the rising generation and support their projects annually. As a unique move as a new gallery, CEO Kim said, "We will continue to promote not only discovered the artists but also co-prosperity and symbiosis with young directors as well as commercial profit-seeking companies."

Sculptor Song Feel held

solo invitational exhibition

'Beyond the Withered'

The highlight of this exhibition is undoubtedly the 7-meter tall stainless steel tree hung in the air, titled <Rooted in the Air>. Not only by its gigantic scale but finding 1-2mm

rootlets and branches welded to the body will bring you to an absolute awe. In particular, the large and small crystals (Swarovski) hanging at the tip of the branches present mystical aura of color from fine stirs of light. The crystals can also be regarded as the solid form of life’s infinite vitality.

David Lehmann,

First solo show in Asia

With the subtitle of “Puzzling Astonishment”, the works of this young sensation will be shown in Gangbuk and Gangnam district of Seoul simultaneously; this joint exhibition project is hosted by Choi & Lager Gallery and HORI Artspace and organized by AIF Art Management. 45 paintings and 30 drawings, altogether 75 of Lehmann’s works will be waiting for the Korean audience in these galleries. Meanwhile, The characteristics of David Lehmann's works lie in his unconstrained style of drawing that is free from any form or principle.

Smartphone, Syringe… an Artist’s Painting Tool Becomes his Message

When viewing an artwork, taking a note of what tools

the artist has used to complete the work makes it more intriguing. For artist Changhong Ahn, they were his smartphone and its digital pen to complete a series of paintings. Ahn regarded them a great tool to express the theme of urban citizens’ desire. For Jong-Seok Yoon, it is the syringe. The artist explains that the choice was made due to the honesty of the result the syringe brings, that paintings can only be produced with the accumulation of time and physical movement…as well as its simplicity. As such, an artist’s intentions at times lie within the choice of the painting tool and the production process.

“The Everyday Life Scenes meet Incidents of the Past at a Dot and Become a Message”

Jong-Seok Yoon’s syringe pointillism paintings carry the echoes from the million dots…Viewers are mesmerized.

When Yoon finds an interesting image while surfing the web, he searches deeper about the subject and finds a few more images that are relevant to the event that had happened in the past of the date he encountered the subject. Among them, Yoon connects 1 to 2 images with the subject matter that had initially grabbed his attention and composes his own creative story.

Hockney does it too, and he’s older than me… Artist Changhong Ahn Picked up a Digital Pen

instead of a Brush

Introducing his First Digital Pen Artwork Series “The Ghost Fashion” at the age of 68 “Seems to me that they’re just clothes walking around without souls”

“When the minds that crave to flaunt become excessive, they seemed to me as soulless clothes trotting around.” In the extravagance of fashion, Ahn captured delusion. You cannot find a single body in his digital pen paintings; only invisible models are posing individually. Through erasing bodies in photographs and painting over them repeatedly, the final results were completely different from the original photographs. Ahn commented, “We live in the era of opulence. When there are too many methods to reveal oneself, the output seems rather vain.”

Jeju Island’s Landscape Painted with Q-tips and Fingertips, a Special Challenge of Artist Nam-pyo Kim

The newly launching Jeju Project at the inflection point of life

“Nam-pyo Kim’s Jeju Story – Gumgil” is showing at AIF and HORI Artspace located in Cheongdam-dong of Seoul. “Gumgil” is a Jeju dialect indicating weeds and vines commonly found on roads and forests. How has an artist who had been a resident artist of Gana Atelier for over 12 years working in Jangheung become to be interested in Jeju? The artist commented, "I found myself contemplating many things as I hit my 50s…then became to face fundamental questions such as, `Are all painters artists? Why am I one?’ And during the introspection of my identity as a painter, I thought of Jeju Island.”

Cho Young-nam’s Works as a “Lee Sang Fanatic”… Exhibition at HORI Artspace in Cheongdam-dong

Utterly fascinated by the late poet Lee Sang’s poems that cannot be explained in text, Cho pledged to be a “die-hard Lee Sang fan”. Paintings showing Cho Young-nam’s utmost admiration toward the poet are presented as “a full-scale project to praise Lee Sang”, but Cho’s own geniusness sips through his paintings. The black and white photograph of Lee Sang’s face at the center, Einstein with his tongue sticking out, Picasso in a striped T-shirt, Nietzsche in stern face and Gustav Mahler all in one painting reveals Cho’s freewheeling charm. In another painting, a group band with Lee Sang as the vocal leader, Einstein as the guitarist and Mahler as the pianist is perked up by black-bush-clover cards of Hwatu (Korean folk card game) in the background.

The 4 Legendary Artists’ Grand Joint Exhibition “Chung-yoo-mi-gam” opens at HORI Artspace

Presenting Artworks of Kwon Jinkyu, Kim Whanki, Park Rehyun and Lee Ufan

The “청유미감 (淸遊美感, Chung-yoo-mi-gam)” Exhibition is held in 5 floors of Noah Building. To be specific, at HORI Artspace there will be Lee Ufan’s fine art paintings, watercolor paintings, and Kwon Jinkyu’s 3 terra cotta figure statues. The two-toned “Dialogue” by Lee Ufan which is a rarity in Korea along with “East Winds”, “Dot” and several other pieces that are size-100 canvases. Gallery Ju Young displays works of Kim Whanki, Park Rehyun and Lee Ufan; his colored “Dialogue” in canvas size 200 to 300 can be found along with Park Rehyun and Kim Whanki’s fascinating masterpieces containing each of their unique formativeness. At AiF, more than 20 drawings based on the motif of various materials featured in Kim Whanki's works will be displayed. In addition to these, works of other modern & contemporary artists who lived during the same era as the 4 artists will be at the private zone on the 5th floor.

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