Universe, Earth and Human

Haeden Museum is hosting the planned exhibition "Universe, Earth and the Human in the first half of 2019. When we commonly describe a beautiful landscape as 'like a painting,' the term 'painting' is based on the aesthetic sensibility of the era and society, distinct from mere imitation of nature. The landscapes portrayed in the works of 11 distinguished and mid-career domestic artists featured in this exhibition evoke a meditative and contemplative quality. However, beyond these serene images lies a profound and intense reflection on existence.

Regardless of East or West, creation myths depict the separation of sky and earth, pulling language from nature and expanding thought through that language—a timeless theme in human history. Moreover, the process by which artists in this era capture the unfolding world before their eyes on canvas is more than a simple act of mimicking external forms. For humans, existing within the universe, nature reflects time and history. The landscapes depicted in this era break down the distinction between abstraction and representation, revealing an allegorical perspective infused with psychological, social, contemplative, and philosophical depth.

If the so-called Korean modernist art of the mid-20th century explored abstraction that couldn't be reduced to mere visuality, the artists in the "Universe, Earth and the Human " exhibition are presenting a Korean aesthetics forged by subsequent generations. This exhibition, encompassing painting, sculpture, and interactive video installations, features 11 artists: Gong Sung-hoon, Kim Kyung-min, Kim Jung-hee, Yoo Geun-taek, Lee Sang-bong, Lee Sang-gil, Cho Hwan, Joo Tae-seok, Jung Jeong-joo, Han Man-young, and Han Woon-sung.