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POP KOREA: A Korean Group Exhibition in Thailand Information

Get Ready to Experience the Hottest Pop Art from South Korea Coming Soon to Thailand in the Exhibition

River City Bangkok, in collaboration with 608 Gallery from Korea, presents “Pop Korea: A Korean Group Exhibition in Thailand”.

Pop art, as the term 'popular' suggests, instilled the notion that anyone can enjoy, create, and buy art. The term 'pop,' an onomatopoeia and mimetic word, created sudden and eye-catching issues. It deconstructed the boundaries between classic and popular, center and periphery. In the 21st century, as the cultural center shifts to Asia, pop art has evolved beyond fixed genre attributes, allowing the artist's unique thoughts and characters to be understood as one world. It has transformed into a universal painting style that encompasses everything 'pop'—whether it be a phenomenon or a persona.

Here we meet three Korean artists: Manwook, Emil, and Yoo Jae Youn.

Understanding them can start from seemingly trivial things, such as why Manwook uses fluorescent colors, why a tree grows from the foot of a robot in Emil's paintings, or why Yoo Jae Youn’s character, Kimsee, yearns for ‘Pink Time’. Some may simply appreciate the visual appeal of the works and collect them, while others may positively assess their commercial potential. Still, others might hang them for the messages they contain.

Manwook, who works with the belief that "the world I connect has no gravity, but has oxygen and light," introduces herself as living in a meta-space that blurs the boundary between human and non-human, engaging in a dialogue with machines and animals. The act of a human (the artist) speaking to non-humans (animals, machines, plants) is a form of soliloquy, but it also involves receiving responses from another non-human, the painting itself. Emil’s projected self, BB, embarks on a journey to repair seven robots discovered on the Orion s-273 planet during a space voyage. His imagination unfolds in scenarios reflecting childhood curiosity and longing for robots, as well as free thoughts about what the future might hold and what we should be cautious of. Yoo Jae Youn, on the other hand, presents the character Kimsee, who, despite being anxious, immature, and physically weak, lives day by day cultivating his own tastes. The character’s asymmetrical, irregular, and exaggerated expressions create a shifting gaze.

These artists’ vibrant imagination and unique characters, though different from each other, break the monotony of our daily lives and blur the boundaries between comedy and tragedy. In doing so, they naturally reach out to viewers and others. 608 Gallery and its curator are also drawn into their world and have come to collaborate with you. 608 Gallery’s first venture into Bangkok, along with associated artists, will involve future collaborations with many brands in this city and country. We are open to hybrid collaborations and communication with you, and we expect Bangkok to 'pop' as the center of Asian art. Let’s create new transformations through art together.

“Pop Korea: A Korean Group Exhibition in Thailand” is open for viewing from 6 - 24 November 2024 at RCB Photographers’ Gallery, 2nd floor, River City Bangkok.

In addition to bringing the creative works of talented South Korean artists to Thailand, River City Bangkok is also advancing the art scene by showcasing Thai artistry abroad. Through a collaboration with All About Art Gallery, they will present the exhibition When the Wind Blows in Singapore. Stay tuned for further details about the exhibition on River City Bangkok's official channels.

Exhibition Details

• POP KOREA: A Korean Group Exhibition in Thailand
• Date: 6 - 24 November 2024
• Venue: RCB Photographers’ Gallery, River City Bangkok 2/F
• Address: 23 Charoen Krung Soi 24 Talard Noi, Sampantawong Bangkok 10100 Thailand

About The Artist

Yoo Jae Youn

Yoo Jae Youn is an artist who seamlessly blends painting and ceramics to create unique pop art narratives. Her most notable character, "Kimsee," serves as the focal point of her artistic exploration, embodying both universality and ambiguity. The name "Kimsee" is a play on the common Korean surname "Kim" and the act of "seeing," reflecting Yoo's intention to capture the essence of ordinary people and their everyday experiences. Through her work, Yoo aims to evoke a sense of familiarity and introspection, inviting viewers to connect with the character on a personal level.

Yoo's work draws inspiration from pop art icons, yet she carves out her own distinct path by infusing her pieces with a playful yet profound commentary on contemporary life. Her "Kimsee" character is designed to be both recognizable and enigmatic, representing the everyday person while also challenging the viewer's perception. This duality is reflected in Kimsee's ambiguous expressions and universal appeal, making the character relatable to a wide audience. Yoo's art captures the nuanced emotions of modern life, offering a mirror to the viewer's own experiences.

Yoo's artistic journey has seen her works exhibited across various prestigious venues. She earned her master's degree in ceramics from Chung-Ang University in 2007, following a bachelor's degree in the same field. Her solo exhibitions include the 2024 showcase at 608 Gallery in Yangpyeong and a 2022 exhibition at MGFS100 Gallery in Seoul. She has also participated in numerous group exhibitions and art fairs, such as ART BUSAN 2022 and the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong and Singapore. Her achievements include winning the Korea Craft and Design Foundation Chairman's Award at the 2018 Craft Trend Fair.

Yoo Jae Youn's work, with its mix of pop culture references and deeply personal insights, continues to resonate with audiences, offering a fresh perspective on the ordinary and the extraordinary in everyday life.

Emil

Emil or Park Hyun Woong has established a unique artistic world that combines modern sensibilities with retro elements. His work, in particular, centers around robot stories that blend childhood memories with futuristic imagination. He recalls the excitement and imagination of discussing robot cartoons with friends during his childhood and connects that pure enthusiasm to his current work. His latest project features works depicting the journey of the protagonist ‘BB’, who travels to repair seven robots, set against a backdrop of space travel and robot repair.

In this work, Emil combines storytelling with visual art, unfolding a narrative set in a unique cosmic background. His work is both futuristic and emotionally resonant, inviting viewers to project themselves into the world of the artwork. Through the unique expressions of the robots and BB's journey, Emil explores the interaction between human emotions and the mechanical world. This work represents a new challenge and a continuous exploration for him, showcasing his passion for visually unraveling stories through various media.

Emil received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Hongik University and has presented his work in 43 solo exhibitions and various domestic and international group exhibitions. His notable solo exhibitions include "With" at Space UM in 2024, "Journey Through the Garden: An Artistic Exploration" at Orangery, and "BB’s Summer" at Gallery Artcode in 2023. Additionally, his work has been featured in numerous solo exhibitions at venues such as Seoul Asan Medical Center Gallery and Gallery Sun.

The artist has also widely promoted his artistic world through participation in many domestic and international group exhibitions and art fairs. His works are held in collections at institutions such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Blue House, and Incheon Art Bank. Park has also expanded his artistic influence through collaborations with several companies, including Ottogi, Fendi, and MCM. This history demonstrates Emil's firm standing in the art world and attests to the high recognition of his ongoing creative activities both domestically and internationally.

Manwook

Manwook explores the relationship between humans and non-human species, expressing various beings through the theme of "[Dog-Human-Machine]" in her work. These entities are pronounced the same in Korean but carry different meanings. Manwook emphasizes that these differences represent diversity rather than discrimination and argues that to achieve true coexistence, we must see the world from the perspective of non-human species.

In her work, machines are depicted as companions in the system of life recording, not as cold mechanisms, but as warm beings. Manwook redefines human identity through a new language that communicates with these machines and dogs, coexisting alongside them in a new world as a genderless human within the network.

Manwook's exhibitions have been actively held through various solo and group exhibitions, including "Protected Area for Weeds" at Gallery Meme in 2024 and "Comebackkkhyo(: Show)" at Gallery Colorbit. Notably, his exhibitions "Rule of No Rule" at PBG The Hyundai Seoul in 2023 and "Dog That One, System of Three Worlds (ː) " at Gallery Daon in 2022 are considered representative of her artistic world.

Manwook has also expanded his artistic capabilities by participating in several residency programs. Her experience in the 1st term of the VITC Art Museum Residency in 2020 and the 3rd term of the Osan Cultural Foundation Residency in 2016 has added depth to his work. In addition, Manwook continues to develop his artistic world through various group exhibitions and independent publications, focusing on visually exploring and transforming the relationship with non-human species.

Information Source: Provided by River City Bangkok