South Korean artist Joung Young-Ju is showcasing her first solo exhibition in the UK at Almine Rech in London. The exhibition, titled “Way Back Home,” features large-scale paintings of Korean shanty towns, which appear almost photographic from afar. These artworks are crafted using hanji paper, a traditional Korean material made from mulberry trees, valued for its strength and water absorbency. The paintings display intricate details created from crumpled hanji pieces combined with acrylic paint, highlighting the warmth of the community through depictions of lights from buildings rather than human figures.

Joung Young-Ju’s work presents an evocative portrayal of Seoul, employing traditional hanji paper that has a rich history in Korean culture, dating back to the third century. The use of hanji not only connects to the artist’s heritage but also reflects broader themes of community and humanity, as the absence of people in her works draws attention to the lights symbolising their presence. This exhibit invites viewers to contemplate the universality of urban existence across global cities.

“Way Back Home” runs until December 20, 2024, and bridges cultural narratives through its focus on cityscapes and the shared human experience, transcending geographical boundaries. Young-Ju’s exhibit encourages reflection on the realities of shanty towns worldwide while celebrating the warmth of human connection.

Original Source: hypebeast.com

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