On special days, we need a story ­ not to wait alone, to remain forgotten: Sanghoon Ahn

Gallery Chosun is pleased to present ⟪On special days, we need a story ― not to wait alone, to remain forgotten⟫, a solo exhibition by Ahn Sanghoon, running from October 8 to October 29, 2020.

The exhibition marks the artist’s second solo exhibition at Gallery Chosun, following the 2018 exhibition titled ⟪My shoes are a bit more colorful⟫. For this occasion, the artist will present approximately 20 new works, including a mural on the exterior of the Gallery Chosun building, as well as paintings on canvases and panels.

Ahn has long explored the potential of transient and emergent paintings that form beyond the limits of a canvas surface. In previous exhibitions, he applied temporary materials such as vinyl or plywood for his work and subsequently deconstructed or removed them after each exhibition. This approach reflects his commitment to experimental practices within his artistic exploration.

The exhibition features not only paintings on traditional canvases but also works created on delicate and temporary surfaces, such as wooden planks and the exterior wall of Gallery Chosun. These spaces and materials may be considered unconventional for conventional painting practices. 

While the canvas paintings are primarily displayed in the underground space at Gallery Chosun, the plywood experiments are located on the second floor. The mural on the exterior walls of the exhibition space also functions as an advertising banner and is a temporary artwork that will be erased once the exhibition is over. 

The exhibition can be viewed as an extension of Ahn's prior experiments, however, it also introduces his recent approaches to incorporating verbal elements into his artwork. The artist has integrated phrases and words discovered through online searches into his compositions. As a result, nearly all of the exhibited works feature textual elements.

Although these letters form sentences and phrases with specific meanings, these meanings do not convey a single, overarching message. The phrases result from coincidence, and there is no inherent relevance or connection between them. The imagery within the paintings does not directly correspond to the content of these phrases. It may be more accurate to describe these phrases as existing in a fragmented or disjointed state. Despite being composed of words, at times, the letters function as visual elements that contribute to the overall composition. 

⟪On special days, we need a story ― not to wait alone, to remain forgotten⟫. The title, which is quite lengthy and almost literay, was composed by the artist spontaneously, wihtout conveying a specific meaning. As such, the exhibition's title itself reflects the experimental approach underpinning the work.

In an era where digital communication is the norm, images and words are frequently deconstructed and reinterpreted across diverse contexts. Given this environment, the medium and practice of painting must remain engaged with contemporary trends rather than remain isolated. Consequently, Ahn's ongoing incorporation of modern themes such as transience and coincidence into his work is particularly significant.

Ahn’s experiments can be understood as part of a broader framework of creative exploration that engages with the potential of the painterly medium; an art form that continues to be practiced and appreciated by audiences despite claims of the "end of painting". While Ahn remains devoted to working within this historically established medium, he does not strictly adhere to traditional conventions. His proactive and innovative approaches serve to clarify our position within broader critical and historical contexts.