A Space Gallery is thrilled to announce the debut solo exhibition “No Home in Wonderland” of Korean-born, New York-based oil painter Yooyeon Nam. This highly anticipated show will feature Nam’s latest works, where she masterfully explores the strange and disjointed nature of a world where individuals feel disconnected within their own communities. This exhibition marks a significant milestone in Nam’s career as she unveils her unique perspective on cultural identity and belonging.
Nam’s paintings provide a deep dive into the unsettling emotions tied to cultural displacement. Utilizing a diverse palette and enigmatic narratives, she evokes a sense of eerie discomfort that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Her characters, often depicted as overly cute and adorable yet subjected to suffering or violence, create an uncanny juxtaposition that intensifies the seriousness of her themes.
The artist’s signature child-like, round-faced, nose-less characters are a reflection of her personal sense of displacement and cultural heritage. These figures, with their blank faces and pupil- less eyes, gaze downwards, mirroring Korean cultural norms where direct eye contact and overt emotional expression are considered impolite. This cultural difference presented challenges for Nam in environments where direct eye contact is the norm. Her paintings seamlessly blend her personal feelings of alienation with her long-standing admiration for traditional Korean Buddha sculptures, which are also pupil-less and often depicted with downcast eyes, creating a sense of being observed.
Nam’s fascination with Buddha sculptures stems from their idealized yet anatomically inaccurate forms, which aligns with her effort to make her imaginative works believable. The inherent mystery in these sculptures, capturing moments just before or after enlightenment, deeply influences her art, adding layers of depth and intrigue.
Yooyeon Nam’s debut solo show “No Home in Wonderland”at A Space Gallery is a poignant exploration of cultural dissonance and the universal experience of feeling like an outsider. Her art invites viewers to reflect on their own sense of identity and connection within their communities.
Exhibition Dates
August 22 – September 4, 2024
Opening Reception
August 22, 2024 | 6 – 8 PM
Artists
Yooyeon Nam
Venue
13 Grattan St, #402, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Gallery Hour
Thursday – Sunday | 2 – 6pm, Appointment Only
Contact
For more information, please visit
https://www.aspacegallery.net/about
About Gallery
A Space is a vibrant team that provides a platform for young artists to showcase their works in contemporary mediums. With a desire to collaborate with talented spirits and commercial brands, A Space engages in curating exhibitions, art parties, and cultural events to celebrate diversity, individuality, and creativity in global societies. We are dedicated to creating art spaces both online and offline, offering immersive and aesthetic experiences to the general public.
(text & photo courtesy of A Space)
