Seoul Shinmun | ‘Naesoong Playground’: Kim Hyun Jung Solo Exhibition Opens Today… Venting ‘Naesoong’ Through Korean Painting Technique
Seoul Shinmun introduced Korean painter Kim Hyun Jung's solo exhibition 'Naesoong Amusement Park' (Gallery Is, Insadong, Seoul, through April 11) in its March 16, 2016 culture section. The article conveyed ink-and-light-color works and lecture/experience programs depicting 'Naesoong Girl' in translucent hanbok relieving everyday stress through play such as claw machines, snacks, and SNS.
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'Naesoong Playground'
Kim Hyun Jung Solo Exhibition Opens Today… Venting 'Naesoong' Through Korean Painting Technique
Painter Kim Hyun Jung's solo exhibition, portraying the story of a new-generation woman in hanbok through traditional Korean painting technique under the theme of 'naesoong' — arising from consciousness of others' gaze and the mutual reactions it produces — opens on the 16th. Held across four floors of Gallery Is in Insadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, the exhibition is titled 'Naesoong Amusement Park.'
An extension of previous works such as 'Naesoong Story' and 'Naesoong Olympics,' this exhibition is composed of works and hands-on programs depicting how the worries and stress of youth are resolved through everyday play commonly found around us.
The artist said, "As a child, I loved amusement parks so much I'd go nearly every weekend with an annual pass," adding, "It was probably both an escape from academic stress and a sanctuary for me." This memory of amusement parks brought her, as an adult, to one question: "What is the everyday outlet for adults?"
The exhibition presents ink-and-light-color works depicting a girl in translucent hanbok relieving stress by enjoying amusement park rides, indulging in special hobbies like horseback riding or motorcycling, or through everyday activities commonly seen around us: playing claw machines, eating snacks like hamburgers, tteokbokki or ramen, and posting photos on Instagram.
The artist, who says "a moment when you don't need to worry about others' gaze is a true amusement park, and a moment when you connect with another — wherever that may be — can become an amusement park," explained, "I plan to turn the exhibited works into an experience space like an amusement park, to further concretize self-realization through play or hobby." Lectures to help build basic understanding of Korean painting, coloring books, photo events at a designated zone, and experiences using 3D printers and magic sand will also be arranged as events and participatory spaces. The exhibition runs through April 11. (02)585-6556.
Senior reporter Ham Hye-ri, lotus@seoul.co.kr