Korean artist Joung Young-ju is holding her first solo exhibition in London, “Way Back Home,” showcasing new works that incorporate traditional materials and explore themes of memory and humanity in relation to disappearing shantytowns in Korea. The exhibition runs until December 20 at Almine Rech.
Korean artist Joung Young-ju is showcasing her first solo exhibition in London, titled “Way Back Home,” at Almine Rech until December 20. The exhibition features new works like “Spring Series” and “Autumn in Village 1031,” highlighting her innovative use of colour and natural elements. Joung’s art focuses on the disappearing shantytowns of Korea, using hanji, a traditional mulberry paper, which adds unique texture and warmth through its interaction with light, symbolising humanity and connection among people in these communities. The gallery describes her work as culturally rooted yet universally relatable.
Joung Young-ju, born in 1970, has spent 17 years developing her unique artistic style centred on Korea’s vanishing villages. With her paintings, she draws inspiration from personal memories and photographs, striving to immortalise these environments. Her work employs hanji for its texture, effectively capturing the essence of aged structures, while also exploring broader themes of humanity and interconnectedness. As shantytowns become increasingly rare, her art serves as both a tribute and a reminder of their significance.
Joung Young-ju’s exhibition at Almine Rech highlights her commitment to preserving the memory of Korea’s shantytowns through distinctive artistic techniques. By blending traditional materials with modern themes, she invites viewers to reflect on the past and acknowledge the warmth of community even in seemingly forgotten spaces. Her work not only illuminates the physical landscapes but also the human experiences tied to them.
Original Source: news.koreaherald.com