Hyangmok Baik’s exhibition “Home” reflects his artistic evolution and personal connections. Influenced by Bruno Schulz, Baik explores nostalgia, darkness, and societal themes through vibrant imagery. Works in this exhibition resonate with multiple literary allusions and evoke reflections on the human experience and existential themes.
Hyangmok Baik’s sophomore exhibition, “Home,” invited a nuanced exploration of his evolving artistry and friendship. His debut exhibition drew on themes of childhood and nostalgia, interwoven with references to Greek mythology and literature. As I observed Baik’s development as an artist, I identified elements of longing, darkness, and humour permeating his vibrant works.
Recently, I encountered the writings of Bruno Schulz, whose surreal stories blend the fantastical with the macabre. His world is populated by characters that transform, merging with their surroundings. Schulz’s unique lens transforms mundane life into a space rich with meaning, touching on ideas of dreams and existential explorations that resonate with Baik’s artistic journey through his inner landscapes.
Both Baik and Schulz create new languages to articulate the complexities of existence, merging inner and outer realities. Schulz’s idea that events carry significant weight inspires Baik’s works, establishing gravity even in light imagery. Their art reflects on the burden of perception and the weight of sorrow contained within.
Becoming an artist involves interpreting the world, a task facilitated by connections forged between varying influences. My analysis of Baik’s work through the lens of Schulz isn’t meant to be pretentious but rather an exploration of layered meanings. This juxtaposition opens avenues to consider Baik’s allusions to various art movements and the nostalgia that permeates his creations.
Visual elements, such as a sleeping figure in a poppy field, evoke numerous literary and artistic references, hinting at themes of peace and war. The work resonates particularly with today’s political climate and societal anxiety, capturing the essence of introspective nostalgia. This evokes connections to Washington Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle,” symbolising surreal experiences and transformative awakenings that Baik seems to cherish.
For further details concerning the exhibition, please visit BEERS London.
Hyangmok Baik’s exhibition “Home” showcases his evolving artistic narrative, inspired by themes of surrealism akin to Bruno Schulz’s works. The interplay of nostalgia, darkness, and humour in Baik’s art echoes broader societal sentiments and invites deeper interpretations. This connection underscores the profound nature of artistic expression and the human experience.
Original Source: www.artshub.co.uk