For Blackout, Hong experiments with what happens to art-objects when they become over-exposed through a reverse-method of lighting, resulting in their disappearance. Traditionally, light has symbolised spiritual awakenings, transcendental experiences, a positivist framework, and renaissance-rationality/liberty. However, Hong's interest is in light's ability to distort its target, in this case his drawings and blinding his spectators. He explores the multiple manifestations of light as a professional implementation, conceptual tool and physical phenomenon.
In Blackout, Hong generates a destructive interference where light blurs his drawings' colours and shapes. The exhibition's centrepiece is Lucy in Black, a large black diamond mounted on the wall, which is distorted by lights shone not on the image – but into the eyes of the viewers. Through the reversed relationship between light and object, the atmosphere encourages viewers to rethink notions of conventional perception and contemporary enlightenment.
Jang – Oh Hong (b Seoul, South Korea) lives and work in Seoul, South Korea. He holds an MFA from Goldsmiths University of London UK, 2009, and an MA in Sculpture from Chung - Ang University, South Korea, 2002. Selected solo exhibitions are Outer Space Embassy, 17717, Seoul KR; Welcome to the Cosmic World, Seong Buk Art Studio-Window Gallery, Seoul KR (both 2016); Unidentified Flying Existence, Space K, Daegu KR (2015); Cosmic Life, Amado Art Space, Seoul KR; Welcome Space Brothers!, PlaceMak, Seoul KR (both 2014); Lucy In Black, Window Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, Seoul KR (2013); Nowhere, Art Sunje Lounge Project, Art Sunje, Seoul KR (2012); Blackout, Tenderpixel, London, UK (2010). Selected group exhibitions include COEXISTENCE, Yangpyeong Art Museum, Yangpyeong, KR; Sculptures &, New Contemporary, Juliana Gallery, Seoul KR; Run the DMZ, Yanggu Porcelain Museum Yanggu KR; PLAY, Hello Museum, Seoul KR (all 2015); Infinity, Space K, Gwacheon KR (2014); Out Of Box, Hello Museum, Seoul KR; Contemporary Travel, Ilhyun Museum, Yangyang KR (2013); The Table, AK Gallery, Suwon KR; Abstraction Again, Space K, Gwacheon KR (2012); SAGS, The Woodmill, London UK (2011); The Alchemists, Edel Assanti, London UK; The Open West, Summerfield Gallery, Cheltenham UK and The Devil’s Necktie, The Woodmill, London UK (all 2010).
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