Korean Art London 2023 has officially opened at the Mall Galleries. The exhibition will run until July 22^nd, bringing together a carefully curated collection of artworks from over thirty established and emerging artists, including Lee K, Jun Won Lee, J Ryu, Min Chan Kim, Sang Woon Nam, Anikoon, Ellyyang, Ha Jin Lee, NA RI CHOI, MeME, SUU, and Duk Hwan Cho, just to name a few. 

The exhibition displays a diverse range of media, including painting, and print. Curated by Rok Hee Hwang (director of the exhibition), Seulki Yoo, and Vittoria Beltrame, the exhibition is a celebration of Korea’s rich artistic heritage, as artists draw inspiration from the country’s cultural roots to create fresh and innovative imagery.

The exhibition is split into three galleries: the West Gallery, the North Gallery, and the East Gallery. The West Gallery, which is curated by Vittoria, hosts twenty artists, and features a mix of traditional themes and contemporary art, including, one could say, avant-garde art. 

“We decided to show Na Ri Choi’s art [at the front] of the West Gallery as it’s incredibly eye-catching”, Vittoria told me while taking me around the gallery. Na Ri Choi is a contemporary pop artist whose distinctive style captures the imagination with her playful and vibrant creations. Vittoria also added that in Choi’s latest series, titled Hojkado in the House, the artist “takes a satirical approach to a genre of Korean folk painting”, and that “traditionally, Hojkado features a dignified magpie symbolising the common man, juxtaposed with a comically portrayed tiger representing authority”. Through her reinterpretation, Choi cleverly ridicules power hierarchies and societal dynamics. Her bold and visually striking compositions make us question and reflect on the structures that shape our lives. 

The West Gallery also includes Kyoung Mug Park. “His exquisite artworks, crafted with ink on hanji paper, serve as a contemplative exploration of form, particularly the timeless and elemental shapes found in nature, such as rocks and stones. These forms, in Park’s view, encapsulate the essence of time and space, acting as vessels that hold profound meaning”, Vittoria continued while presenting us with the artist’s work. 

Also, among the twenty artists in the West Gallery, there is MeME, a delightful, artistic soul that “captures the essence of simple yet joyful sensations in her acrylic and mixed-media paintings”. With a vibrant palette of bright pastels, she depicts a whimsical world that celebrates the pleasures of everyday life. In MeME‘s artistic universe, she indulges in the sensory experiences of our favourite treats: ice-cream, sweets, and jelly. Through her imaginative brushstrokes and mixed-media techniques, MeME brings these charming moments to life, creating a sense of childlike wonder. 

“I used to work as a merchandise designer for Samsung, which was quite stressful at times. I wanted to find happy moments in my life too, and as I was born in the year of the Pig [according to the Lunar Calendar], I chose the pig as [the main character for my art]”, MeME told us while describing a series of her paintings. The artist also said that, as she is very sensitive to people’s opinions, she decided to change the pig’s ears into the ears of a rabbit to better hear “the external world”. 

“I want to make art that represents me and my optimistic side. Within this playful realm, I use symbols such as hearts, rainbows, and peace signs continuously. I want to express the textures and colours of those symbols, that’s why you can see all [of these powerful aspects in my art]. The “PIGME” cartoon character takes centre stage; its hungry eyes, filled with hearts, demonstrate the cravings of the modern world”, MeME explained further; she also confessed that she would love to create a new wave of contemporary art. 

After discussing MeME’s artistry, there were other artists in the West Gallery that caught my attention, and that included Anikoon. 

Anikoon is a remarkable artist; his art can transport you into a world where longing and imagination converge. Being a huge fan of R2D2 and C3PO from Star Wars, his favourite characters come to life alongside the tin robots and other pop-culture playthings that have captured the hearts of children for generations, such as alphabet blocks and rocking horses. Looking at his robots, Anikoon masterfully conjures the essence of their existence, infusing them with a renewed vitality on the canvas.

Anikoon’s art not only pays homage to the iconic characters of popular culture but also rekindles the joy and fascination experienced during childhood. His vibrant compositions serve as visual time capsules, transporting the viewer back to a time when imagination knew no limits. 

“Prior to making the art that I am making now, I studied Fine Art. But I felt like it wasn’t suitable for me. I tried to find my own style, but couldn’t find inspiration. So, I left for New York to [experience] a different art scene. And while in the city, I visited an antique show where I saw tin characters. Seeing them project various emotions made me come up with my own robot theme. They’re retro robots, but also, in some ways, they’re tragic”, Anikoon confessed. 

As Anikoon continues to bring his imaginative creations to life, he invites us to embark on a journey of rediscovery, where the worlds of childhood imagination and adult appreciation merge. Through his vibrant and evocative art, he reminds us that within our hearts, the magic of our beloved childhood toys and characters will forever hum and beep with new life. When asked about his specific techniques, mediums, and materials, Anikoon shared that, “I don’t have a preferred material or medium. I want to approach the public easily, so I usually use acrylic paints rather than [overcomplicated mediums or materials]”.

Anikoon also added that, “I am not only aiming to entertain people with my art, but [through the robots] I want to project my own life and the life of society, including its emotions. I also want the viewer to be empathetic towards the robots, as they, in many ways, represent us, the society”.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary influences. Through the diverse range of media on display, you can witness the artists’ mastery of their chosen mediums. From the expressive brushstrokes of paintings to the intricate layering of mixed media, each artwork tells a story and offers a glimpse into the artist’s world.

Korean Art London 2023 shows that the global impact and growing recognition of Korean contemporary art are on the rise. By bringing together established and emerging talents on a single platform, the exhibition creates a space for artistic exchange, fostering dialogue and connections between artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. 

Written by Maggie Gogler