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ARTTOKEN hosts solo exhibition 'In Time Space' by Lee Sukju, a first-generation hyperrealism artist.
The Korea Economic Daily
Art Cube 2R2 Gallery announced on the 26th that it will host the solo exhibition 'In Time Space' by Lee Suk-ju, a first-generation Korean hyperrealism artist, running from the 5th of next month until January 10 of next year.
Lee Suk-ju is the first artist mentioned when discussing hyperrealism in Korean art. He brought a fresh wave to Korean art history with realistic depictions in the 1970s, when abstract art dominated. For over 40 years, the artist has led the Korean hyperrealism style, building a world of work where realism and surrealism coexist.
Unlike hyperrealism, which focuses on objectively depicting objects by excluding emotion, he concentrated on creating narratives that went beyond merely reproducing the appearance of objects. Starting in the 1990s, he began showcasing works that allowed reflection on existence, time, and the inner self through various objects in the real world.
This exhibition introduces a total of about 30 pieces, including digital works collaborated with ARTTOKEN's Non-Fungible Token (NFT) studio and 300 original physical works. Additionally, the VIP Lounge will feature space curation combining artworks and high-end living brands as part of the exhibition's related programs. In particular, the experiential pop-up space 'Life Space Curation,' which delivers artwork explanations and spatial design ideas, offers an experience of art meeting daily life, along with special discount benefits.
Art critic Lim Sung-hoon stated, "Unexpected artistic narratives unfold. The surrealistic elements are not related to surrealist aesthetics emphasizing stream of consciousness or automatism, but rather can be said to be related to pictorial representations of narratives that are sculpturally condensed." He added, "Instead of stopping here, it will be an important point of appreciation to go further and read the story hidden in the screen as the viewer."
Hong Ji-sook, CEO of Art Cube 2R2 Gallery, said, "We planned Lee Suk-ju's 'In Time Space' exhibition so that visitors can view the traces of time through a psychological and philosophical lens during the time of wrapping up the year and welcoming the new year." She continued, "The theme of time, which was explored by Western surrealist artists such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Yves Tanguy—the contradiction, transcendence, and cyclicity of time—has been condensed within one space through Lee Suk-ju's contemplation and reborn through hyperrealistic painting techniques," adding, "We hope that through this exhibition, audiences will directly experience this within the space where the artwork is located."
Meanwhile, Lee Suk-ju's exhibition will be included in the 'Gallery Stamp Tour' organized by Gangnam Art of Gangnam-gu Office, as a related program to the Seoul Art Show held on the 24th of next month, offering visitors an even more special experience.
Source: Hankyung.com Newsroom open@hankyung.com