Shadow of a Pine TreeA glimpse of Korean Contemporary Art

Shadow of a Pine TreeA glimpse of Korean Contemporary Art

Featuring

Lee Gil RaeSuh Jeong MinBahk Seon-Ghi

One of the Asian powerhouses for technology, fashion, music and pop culture, Korea has always been at the forefront of innovation. In recognition to this defining trend influencer of Asia, Opera Gallery Singapore is proud to present ‘Shadow of a Pine Tree’, an exhibition that illustrates the ingenuity and originality of Korean

artists as they reshape the landscape of the contemporary Korean art scene.

A country known for both its technological innovation and cultural heritage, contemporary Korean art has also evolved in tandem as its artists challenge

the boundaries of art exploration from composition to medium, method and representation. For this exhibition, we have selected the representative works from three renowned and celebrated Korean artists that reflect their quest for progress

and development in art, artistry, technique and creativity as they seek reconciliation and balance between man and nature, history and modernity.

Lee Gil Rae derived his creative inspirations from his examination of man and nature. Through the use of copper piping, these humble minute elements are skilfully soldered into grand and graceful pine tress of steel and copper. Lee’s

majestic metal pines proclaim with elegance the artist’s view on the inevitable and unavoidable devastation of nature by man in the name of progress and

industrialisation.

From the lament of the loss of nature, its subtle beauty and versatility are demonstrated in the sublime wall sculptures of Suh Jeong Min. Harnessing the rich artistic culture of Korea, Suh’s intricate artworks are created with handmade paper

from the Mulberry tree, using traditional techniques whilst reinterpreting and reintroducing this classic medium in a contemporary expression.

Nature is also the cradle of ideas, imagination and art for Bahk Seon-Ghi who expresses his philosophy of humanity and nature through his fascinating sculptures

that seem to defy gravity. A sculptor and an installation artist, Bahk redefines the functionality and beauty of natural materials with his ethereal installations of suspended charcoal pieces levitating in space within their own surrealistic realm.

Join us on this journey of art and beauty as Korea bears its creative soul in art and leads us into its exciting universe of visual treasures and fascinating imagination.

Gilles Dyan Founder and ChairmanOpera Gallery Group

Stéphane Le PelletierDirector Asia Pacific

Opera Gallery Singapore

Shadow of a Pine TreeA glimpse of Korean Contemporary Art

Lee

GIL RAEB. 1961

Lee Gil Rae graduated from Kyunghee University after studying at the department of art edu-cation, before he passed his masters in sculpture. For twenty years, Lee Gil Rae has used nature as his muse to craft sculpture from steel and copper pipe. With rapid deforestation, Lee Gil Rae’s trees narrate the artificial nature that city dwellers so closely identify with.

The man-made and constructed simulation of nature is apparent in all towns and cities. Nature is removed and confined to make room for the ever expanding population. In his persistent need to create organic forms, Lee Gil Rae takes it one step further in creating man-made nature. He constructs enormous forests of steel and copper, capturing this rapidly depleting resource for eternity.

His works construct a surreal leafless forest that one can meander, spiralling branches unnatu-ral in structure but organic in aesthetic, draw the viewer to witness the intricate exterior that mimics the curves and notches of aged tree bark harmoniously. His sprawling branches fan out, tipped with wisps of copper representing the needles of the pine trees in true homage to Mother Nature.

Le Gil Rae has participated in several exhibitions in Korea, America and Japan and he features in numerous permanent collections.

EducationGraduated from Dept. of Art Education, Kyunghee Univ.M. A. Dept. of Sculpture, Kyunghee Univ.

Solo Exhibitions2015The 9th Solo Exhibition, Gyumjaejungsun Museum, Seoul

2012The 8th Solo Exhibition, Galerie BK, Seoul

2010The 7th Solo Exhibition, Savina Museum, Seoul

2008The 6th Solo Exhibition, Savina Museum, Seoul

2007The 5th Solo Exhibition, Art-space Camerata, SeoulKorean Contemporary Art Festival, Seoul Art Center, Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul

2003The 4th Solo Exhibition, Galerie Bhak, Seoul

2001The 3rd Solo Exhibition, Galerie Bhak, Seoul

1997The 2nd Solo Exhibition, Kum-Ho Museum, Seoul

1991 The 1st Solo Exhibition, Gallery Ye-Hyang, Seoul

Group Exhibitions2015Art, Show, Space art1, Seoul2015 Hong Kong Art Fair, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong KongConversion of recognition, Seo-Ho Museum, Gyung-gi, Namyan-gju Art of Singapore city, Singapore Orchard Street, Singapore Art Night in Korea, Opera Gallery, DubaiArt Show Busan 2015, BEXCO, BusanRegeneration - Art Korean Contemporary, Opera Gallery, Paris

20142 Exhibition, Blue Square Ne mo Gallery, SeoulGallery in Gaden, Incheon International Airport Millennium Hall, Inchen Korea Arts 7 Exhibition, Etroit Gallery, Mexico2014 Jungsun International fire sculpture festival, Samtan Art mine, Kang oneKnowledge of healing-Emptying and filling, Jeju Museum of Art, JejuMetal works today, Kimjongyoung Museum, SeoulArchitectural sculpture, Soma Museum, Seoul

2013Jean François Larrieu & Lee Gil Rae, Opera Gallery, SeoulElements of Nature, Opera Gallery, SingaporeJung gwang sik & Lee Gil Rae 2 Exhibition, Galeria Ethra, MexicoThe high school art textbook, Gyohaksa, Seoul

2012Pohang Steel Art Festival, Pohang Museum of Art, Pohang2012 -Tasty Land, Yangpyeong Art Museum, YangpyeongMetal Spirit, Gallery Grimson, SeoulHaïti Charity-Auction, Seoul Auction Gangnam, Seoul

2011The Moving Arts Village, Nampo Art Gallery, GoheungPOMA 2011 Art Way Project, Pohang Museum of Art, PohangArt Jungle, garden5 Rooftop Garden, SeoulRemember you, Hyundai Arts Center, UlsanThe Secret Forest, Dream Forest Arts Center, SeoulDaegu Art Fair Special Exhibition of Modern Sculpture Exco, DaeguThe middle school art textbook, Gumsung publisher, Seoul

2010Unexpected, D-art Gallery, DaejeonSeoul Art Exhibition-Sculpture, Seoul Museum of Art, SeoulInternational Art Taehwagang, Taehwa River, UlsanInternational Sculpture Symposium Special Exhibition, Icheon City Museum, IcheonRepublic of Korea, Seeking the future, Andong Cutural Arts Center, Andong

Awards2015 Korea Association of Art Critics Award1995 Special Award in Jung-Ang Biennale1990 Dong-A Art Award in the Dong-Art Festival1989 Special Award in the 8th Great Art Exhibition of Korea1988 Participation Award in the 11th Jung-Ang Greate Art Exhibition1987 Special Award in the 5th Greate Art Exhibition of the youth

Permanent CollectionsKwachon National Museum of Contemporary ArtSeoul Museum of ArtSavina Museum of Contemporary ArtSamsung Foundation of CultureCJ Foundation of CultureDaegu Health CollegeSeoul Supreme Prosecutors Office Memorial SculptureAnseong Memorial Sculpture ParkYeongdong Sculpture ParkJinhae Jangbok Mountain Park Outdoor SculptureBucheon dodang ParkSeoul Hanjin HaemoroHanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Office BuildingSeoul Mariott HotelGapyung EcopiaDaegu BanwoldanMoonkyung STX ResortPohang ValueplusNampo Art MuseumSeoul Plaza HotelHanwha Galleria ForêtPohang Museum of ArtMario Seoul

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A view from ‘Gyeomjae’, 2015Copper welding290 x 224 x 13 cm - 114.2 x 88.2 x 5.1 in.

Human-shaped Pine Tree, 2014Copper welding

131 x 59 x 28 cm - 51.6 x 23.2 x 11 in.

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Human-shaped Pine Tree, 2015Copper welding200 x 80 x 73 cm - 78.7 x 31.5 x 28.7 in.

Old Pine Tree, 2015Copper welding

212 x 170 x 20 cm - 83.5 x 66.9 x 7.9 in.

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Pine Tree, 2011Copper welding87 x 87 x 4 cm - 34.3 x 34.3 x 1.6 in.

Pine Tree, 2013Copper welding

104 x 110 x 7 cm - 40.9 x 43.3 x 2.8 in.

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Pine Tree, 2016Copper welding84 x 115 x 24 cm - 33.1 x 45.3 x 9.4 in.

Pine Tree, 2013Copper welding

204 x 115 x 59 cm - 80.3 x 45.3 x 23.2 in.

Suh

JEONG MINB. 1962

Born in Korea, Suh Jeong Min passed his BFA at Chosun University and his MFA at Kyonggi University. He is known for his use of hanji, or traditional Korean paper made from the inner bark of Mulberry trees, to create elegant and somewhat imposing works that are neither pain-ting nor sculpture, yet have properties of both. His artwork employs the timeless structures of geometry while simultaneously pursuing an idiosyncratic aesthetic that combines cultural references with unusual formal techniques.

Suh uses hanji originally used for calligraphy, tightly rolled into tubes or overlaid so that they resemble thin blocks of wood, and cut into small pieces by hand to finally be affixed to the support with a rice-based glue. Arranged in concentric circles, in rows, or set on top of each other like stacks of lumber, these paper units have a dense bodily presence. Cut horizontally, vertically or diagonally, they produce light and shade on canvas as existing calligraphic letters form black lines on the surface.

The artist said his works are the result of coincidence and inevitability. ’Instead of drawing my own lines with meok (ink), I find the lines from what others already wrote’. What appears to be a severance from Asian painting in Suh’s work is instead a continuity of the practice in a new guise. As a craft unique to Korea, hanji is considered integral to the culture. Suh’s use of the traditional material can be seen as an acknowledgment of this craft, while showing how an aspect of culture long superseded by technological changes can be transformed from the commonplace to the exceptional through an artist’s innovative methods.

EducationBFA, Department of Painting, College of Fine Arts, Chosun UniversityMFA, Graduate School of Arts, Kyonggi University

Solo Exhibitions2012 Solo show JanKossen Contemporary, Basel NAGOYA International Design Gallery, Japan

2011 O’s Gallery Solo Exhibition, JeonJu O’s GalleryThe 9th Solo Exhibition, Paper Museum, SeoulThe 10th Solo Exhibition, J Gallery, Seoul

2010 The 9th Solo Exhibition In Sa Art Center, Seoul

2009 The 8th Solo Exhibition, KEPCO Plaza Art MuseumThe 7th Solo Exhibition, La Mer Gallery, Seoul

2007 The 6th Drawing Solo Exhibition, Small-scale Works, Bokchon Gallery, YeosuThe 5th Solo Exhibition, Small-scale Works, Bokchon Gallery, Yeosu

2006 The 4th Solo Exhibition, Gallery Montmartre, Busan

2003 The 3rd Solo Exhibition, Jinnam Culture and Arts Center, Yeosu

2000 The 2nd Solo Exhibition, KEPCO Plaza Gallery, Seoul

1999The 1st Solo Exhibition, Inje Art Museum, Gwangju

Art Museum, Goyang2011Good morning 2011, La Mer Gallery, Seoul

2010Korea Modern Artist Exhibition / Gallery Dimaca, Venezuela2 East Meets West, Los Angeles

2009 International Contemporary Art Gwangju Artvision,1st and 2nd exhibition hall of Gwangju biennale, GwangjuThe Nature of Korea Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter ExhibitionSeoul Art Gong pyeong Gallery Invitation ExhibitionSeong nam Arts FestivalGyeonggi Folk Artist Invitation ExhibitionThe Four Seasons of Gyeonggi

Master’s ThesisA Study on Oil Painting Pigments

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Korea House Roof - 13, 2015Hanji paper

80 x 150 cm - 31.5x 59.1 in.

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Mandala, 2015Hanji paper

140 x 140 cm - 55.1 x 55.1 in.

Line of Travel - 64, 2016Hanji paper162 x 132 cm - 63.8 x 52 in.

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Festival 14-10, 2014Hanji paper

110 x 110 cm - 43.3 x 43.3 in.

Tao 7, 2016Hanji paper110 x 110 cm - 43.3 x 43.3 in.

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Tao - 9, 2016Hanji paper

110 x 110 cm - 43.3 x 43.3 in.

Lines of Travel - 42, 2015Hanji paper182 x 150 cm - 71.7 x 59.1 in

Bahk

SEON-GHIB. 1966

Bahk Seon-Ghi is an internationally reputed and established contemporary Korean sculptor and installation artist who lives and works in Kyeong Ki-Do, South Korea. Following his graduation from Chung-Ang University in Seoul, he spent several years in Europe, studying sculpture at the Accademia di Belle Arti Brera in Milan and at Barnet and Southgate College in London.

Bahk is known for his ethereal installations using natural to create everyday objects such as tables, staircases, frames and circles, which appear to float through light and space. His floating charcoal works accumulate into forms that we perceive as familiar objects, delicately suspended on the edge of existence and obliteration. It questions how the object takes form through our own filters of perspective and memory.

Charcoal, his favorite material, is fundamental in his works with charcoal being the natural substance that holds traditional importance in Korean culture and heritage. Through these de-licately suspended pieces of charcoal, Bahk Seon-Ghi presents the viewers with a new perspec-tive of human’s relationship with nature. Bahk received the 2009 Kim Chong Yung Sculpture Award and has participated in solo exhibitions in Miami, Korea, Switzerland, Spain and China, to name just a few. His works are part of many prominent permanent collections worldwide.

EducationStudies of Majoring Sculpture at the Accademia di Belle Arti Brera, MilanGraduated from Chung-Ang University, Majoring Sculpture in the Fine Arts Departement, Seoul

Solo Exhibitions2015Solo Exhibition, CMay Gallery, Los AngelesSeonGhi BAHK, Chung Hak Dae Museum of Contemporary Art, AnseongGallery U.C.A.I, MilanGallery Luigi di Sarro, Rome

2014Point of view - illusion, Gallery Ihn, SeoulFiction of the Fabricated Image, Zadok Gallery, Miami

2012A Slice of Sensitivity, Gallery Artside, Seoul

2009Seon Ghi Bahk Solo Exhibition, Gallery IHN, SeoulGallery Bundo, Daegu

2008Gallery Sabina, Los AngelesSeonghi Bahk Solo Exhibition, Kim Chong Yung Sculpture Museum, Seoul

2007Optic Game, Gallery Artside, BeijingExistence, Arquitectos de Cordova, Cordova

2006Galeria Arte Contemporanea Jorge Shirley, Lisbon

2005Artist of Today, Kim Chong Yung Sculpture Museum, Seoul

2004 Gana Insa Art Center, SeoulArt Seoul, Hangaram Museum in Seoul Arts Center, SeoulGaleria EDURNE, MadridGaleria Arte Contemporanea Jorge Shirley, Lisbon 2002Galerie Artinprogress, BerlinRethinking: space time architecture - A dialogue between art and architecture, Parallel to XXI World Congress of Architecture, UIA Berlin 2002

2001Galleria Lawrence Rubin, Milan

Group Exhibitions2013Irony and Illusion, Interalia, SeoulIn-Sein, Gallery BK

2011In 脈, Gallery jireh, pajusi heyriThe ARTIST BRAND, GAMO Gallery , SeoulObject of everyday life, Pohang Museum of Steel Art, PohangC.Eye 脈, You-ju international ceramic museum, Korea ceramic foundation, Yoe-juSalon de living art - Seoul living design fair, COEX, SeoulStudio part1, FN art space, Seoul

Fund raising exhibition for sever earthquake disaster of Japan, Yes, I believe the hope!,Basel Scope 11, Gallery Krampf, BaselArt stage Singapore, Marina bay sands exhibition center, SingaporeBeyond limits, Shinsegae Gallery, BusanInternational sculpture Festa 2011 IN SEOUL, Seoul art center hangaram museum,SeoulCliopatra Clio Box - CLIO Cosmetic Art 2011, Insa art center, SeoulThe Earth in Blossom - 41th Earth day anniversary, Gwangju Museum of Art, Gwang-juOksun Gallery opening exhibition, artist _ Drop by Seohyen, Oksun Gallery, Sung nam

2010My Room my Atelier, Gana art center, SeoulArcades project, Interalia art company, SeoulOrbis interfashion - Incountro tra lusso e arte, Cais gallery, SeoulBasel Scope 10, Gallery Krampf, BaselKorea Tommorow, CETEC, IlsanClose Encounter , Jeju Museum of Art , JejuClose Encounter, Jeju Museum of art, JejuMy room our atelier , Gana Art Gallery, SeoulG20 Seoul Summit celebration Exhibition - for the korean Fine Arts, The national assembly library, SeoulSulhwasoo - sulaim,kong gallery, Seoul2010 Seoul Art FairAIR, Gallery IHN, Gallery BUNDO, Bexco, Busan2010 seoul design festival - Designers Lab, Coex, SeoulArt Dubai, SUN Contemporary, Lee Hwaik Gallery, Madinat JumeirahIstanbul art fair - Scope, Krampf Gallery, IstanbulG20 Seoul Summit celebration Exhibition - for the korean Fine Arts, shuim Museum, SeoulKIAF 2010, Gallery Qualia, COEX, SeoulThe Shape of Time; From Micropolis to Metropolis 2010 Yeosu International Art Festival, Jinnam Art and Culture Center , YeosuThe seoul art exhibition - Korea contemporary sculpture, Seoul Museum of Art, SeoulMACO 10, Mexican International Contemporary Art Fair, Cetro Banamex, MexicocityArt of illusion, Dae jeon Museum of Art, Daejeon

2009Korean Eye Moon Generation, Saatchi Gallery, London

Awards2016 9th Kim Jong Young Sculpture Prize

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An Aggregate 10-05, 2010Charcoal, nylone threads, stone and mixed materials

270 x 70 x 70 cm - 106.3 x 27.6 x 27.6 in.

An Aggregate 201103, 2011Charcoal, nylone threads, stone and mixed materials270 x 60 x 60 cm - 106.3 x 23.6 x 23.6 in.

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Slice of Sensitivity 120513, 2012Urethane paint on resin, edition of 6

140 x 115 x 80 cm - 55.1 x 45.3 x 31.5 in.

Point of View 121212, 2012Urethane paint on resin, edition of 6141 x 57 x 31 cm - 55.5 x 22.4 x 12.2 in.

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An Aggregation 201301, 2013Charcoal, nylone threads, stone and mixed materials

300 x 100 x 100 cm - 118.1 x 39.4 x 39.4 in.

Shadow of a Pine TreeA glimpse of Korean Contemporary Art

2 Orchard Turn # 04-15 ION Orchard, Singapore, 238801spore@operagallery.com . T. + 65 6735 2618 . operagallery.com