ROMANCE
BHAK
19 days left
The two-person exhibition Romance by Seungeui Hyun and Areum Kim is conceived based on the dictionary definition of the French word ‘Romance,’ which refers to a desire or ideal one wishes to realize. The Korean word ‘Nang-man’ (romance) evokes images of beauty, psychology, and imagination that transcend reality.
The exhibition explores multi-layered representations of ‘romanticized’ images, centered around the themes of ‘tourist attractions’ and ‘love,’ which both artists have been deeply investigating for years. Seungeui Hyun focuses on the island of Jeju, while Areum Kim delves into the emotion of love. Together, they pose questions to challenge our gaze, which has been fixed on the pursuit of romance, inviting us to reconsider the complexity of the romantic imaginations and realities we see, feel, or envision.
Areum Kim’s work raises questions about love and suggests exploring romanticized love from various perspectives. Love is often regarded as one of the greatest sources of happiness among human emotions. However, we know that love is not a singular, straightforward feeling of happiness. It is accompanied by sadness, conflict, and countless unspoken thoughts and emotions. Thus, love cannot be defined by a simple word like happiness.
Areum Kim, Deep and Clear Sea, 2024, Watercolor on paper panel, 146 x 97 cm
The series Viewpoint and Scenery for You feature endangered species and anonymous figures in the backdrop of Jeju Island, visualizing beings that cannot find solace in the bustling tourist areas, suggesting a different side to Jeju’s tourism. These scenes invite the viewer to see the reality of Jeju, which exists beyond the romanticized images wrapped in human-centered tastes and preferences—realities that are either invisible or ignored by tourists.
Seungeui Hyun, Scenery for You 2, 2024, Mixed media on Korean paper, 72.8x91cm
