Lee Younghee’s 1st Oriental/Calligraphy
& Shim Hyonae’s Solo Exhibitions
Opening Reception: Sat, June 22nd, 2024, 2-5PM
Exhibition: June 22nd - 29th, 2024
Lee Younghee was a graduate from Hong-Ik University in 1971. She studied calligraphy and the orientals of South Korean cultures to create works of art that indicated beauty and serene simplicity. The simple colors and flowers of her work are shown through soft brushstrokes. She adds elements of traditional Korean art and language onto hanji paper that can be framed and hung into scrolls.
This painting shows a sense of delicate beauty and serene simplicity. The composition features chrysanthemums in yellow hues, often associated with longevity and happiness. The flowers are set against a minimalistic background, which enhances their vibrant color and intricate details. The delicate brushstrokes suggest a meditative quality, inviting the viewer to appreciate the beauty of nature. The gentle flowing lines of the stems and leaves, create a harmonious and calming effect. The inclusion of calligraphy adds an element of traditional elegance and cultural depth, further enriching the painting's tranquil mood.
Artist Statement
“When I was young, I saw my friend’s calligraphy and felt the urge to write it myself. After a long time, at a late age, it was a time of grinding ink, holding a brush, and immersing myself in harmony as one. Toward the process of achieving this, the results were accompanied by the pain of patience.” -Lee
Shim Hyonae is a graduate from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1993. She created paintings of Korean folk art with vibrant colors to show a serene and harmonious atmosphere. She displays a celebration of nature and a quiet reflection of beauty in her works.
This painting evokes a sense of elegance and tranquility of Korean folk art. The primary subject, a crane with vibrant grace and majesty is surrounded by the warm, golden background and gentle curves of the branches to create a serene and harmonious atmosphere. The colorful flowers paired with delicate golden leaves, add to the painting's overall beauty and peacefulness in a sense of celebration of life. The intricate details and the harmonious color palette suggest a celebration of nature's splendor and a moment of quiet reflection.
Artist Statement
”My painting inspirations come from nature. I want to capture the beauty of life’s fragile and tangible moments around me. My art is based on Korean mythology, symbolism, and the beloved storytellings of my late Grandmother. Also, Korean fork art influenced my work.
The images in my paintings are depicted as symbols that are meant to promise prospective wishes into certain aspects of our life. Transcendent images from nature such as birds, flowers, insects, and trees symbolize the celebration of life every day. These images commemorate my ancestors and their blessings for marriages, births, health, and wealth for our homes. It also carries beliefs of healing powers and protects from evil spirits.
This deliberate process of transforming symbolism onto canvas allows me to accept the uncertainty of the future of life’s expectancy. As well as helps me to cope with a misfortune in my life, fighting lung cancer since 2021.
On my journey, I am a butterfly just passing through.”
The beloved storytelling of my late grandmother Gyonu&Jingnyo I /Oil painting / 36x48 inches
The beloved storytelling of my late grandmother Gyonu&Jingnyo II /Oil painting / 48x36 inches
DeokSuGung Place pond II /Oil painting / 30x24 inches