TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Contemporary South Korean artist Kwang Hyun Kim (金光賢) is holding his first solo exhibition in Taiwan, titled “OHEA,” through Nov. 17.
The title “OHEA,” derived from the Korean word for “misunderstanding,” is central to the show’s theme. Influenced by Surrealism, Kim transforms Taipei’s Dopeness Art Lab into a fantastical space.
Born into an artistic family in Busan, Kim graduated from Kyung Sung University with a degree in traditional Korean painting. He has extensive experience restoring ancient Japanese Buddhist artifacts, which has informed his understanding of Eastern culture.
His work blends traditional Asian aesthetics with contemporary techniques.
The exhibition’s central theme is “misunderstanding.” Kim challenges the traditional one-way communication between art and viewer, inviting audiences to actively participate in creating meaning.
Kim’s two signature characters, Pipzin and Gatak, explore power, desire, and identity. Pipzin, an androgynous figure, symbolizes the human pursuit of ideals and truth. Gatak, a self-projection of the artist, embodies a desire for power and social status.
Kim’s works often feature imperfect mythical creatures, such as one-eyed phoenixes and blind turtles. These imperfections are metaphors for the flaws and imbalances within modern power structures.
The character of Gatak embodies the contradictions within the pursuit of power. As both a seeker and observer of power, Gatak highlights the complexities of human ambition.
Through the lens of “misunderstanding,” Kim invites viewers to reconsider their understanding of power and social change.
