Exhibition Unveiling: “Origin, Emergence, Return” by Park Seo-Bo, Lee Bae, and Jin Meyerson
Exhibition Unveiling: "Origin, Emergence, Return" by Park Seo-Bo, Lee Bae, and Jin Meyerson
- Exhibition Overview: “Origin, Emergence, Return” showcases Korean artists Park Seo-Bo, Lee Bae, and Jin Meyerson at Rockefeller Center. Their works delve into themes of time, space, and their homeland connections.
- Artistic Highlights: Lee Bae’s monumental charcoal sculpture, Lee’s “Brushstoke” series blending tradition with vitality, and Meyerson’s algorithm-distorted reflections on fire and personal history captivate viewers.
- Unified Narratives: Diverse in style, the trio’s art collectively narrates postwar Korea’s story. Park signifies “Origin,” Lee signifies “Emergence,” and Meyerson signifies “Return,” revealing intertwined journeys through life’s cycles and artistic expressions.
itled "Origin, Emergence, Return," a captivating joint exhibition unfolded at Rockefeller Center's gallery space, curated by Johyun Gallery and Tishman Speyer. This ensemble showcased the creative prowess of three distinguished Korean artists: Park Seo-Bo, Lee Bae, and Jin Meyerson. The exhibition's thematic focus on time and space in relation to their homeland underscored their artistic journeys and reconnections.
Lee Bae’s monumental sculpture, “Issu du feu” (2023) or “from the fire,” in the Channel Gardens resonated with an uncanny connection to the smoky atmosphere caused by Canadian wildfires. This colossal stack of charred pine bundles emitted an otherworldly aura amidst the orange-tinged haze, leaving an indelible impression.
Moving into the gallery space revealed the unfolding narrative of the exhibition. Lee Bae’s “Brushstoke” series (2019–23) skillfully combined traditional Chinese ink techniques with a life-affirming energy derived from his upbringing’s shamanistic influences. His intricate process, from kiln placement to wood selection, painted a rich backdrop for his artistry.
Jin Meyerson’s works centered on the motif of fire as both a catastrophic and deeply personal force. His artwork “POST CALIFORNIA” (2021) bore the visual echoes of the destructive Caldor Fire, a poignant reflection of climate-induced turmoil. Meyerson’s pieces mirrored his own story of loss and rediscovery, capturing an emotional journey through abstract, algorithm-distorted canvases.
In contrast, Park Seo-Bo’s pieces emanated tranquility and depth. His “Écriture” series (2006) exuded a quiet radiance akin to smoldering embers, drawing inspiration from light and nature. His art, a reflection of healing from colonialism’s fire, transcended color to explore the profound through monochrome repetition.
Diverse in aesthetics, the trio shared a common thread of postwar Korean narrative. The exhibition’s architecture designated Park as the “Origin,” Lee as the “Emergence,” and Meyerson as the “Return.” However, the interplay among their creations hinted at a more intertwined discourse. Their journey through life’s cycles and the exploration of potential emerged as a remarkable sequence, accentuating the significance within each artist’s story. As Meyerson astutely pointed out, in this artistic realm, coincidences give way to meaningful sequences.
