From Seoul to Ankara: Prestigious Korean Artists
Join The ARTAnkara Contemporary Art Fair
As Esther Gallery, an international art gallery based in the eco-friendly Yangpyeong region of South Korea, we will introduce Contemporary Korean Art to the Turkish audience at the upcoming ARTAnkara International Contemporary Art Fair.
Participating in the 10th edition of the ARTANKARA Contemporary Art Fair from March 6-10, we are thrilled to present a curated selection of artworks by talented Korean artists and a Taiwanese artist of Turkish origin. These artworks blend traditional Korean and contemporary Western techniques and explore profound themes of the human experience and the beauty of nature.
Among the distinguished artists at Esther Gallery for the ArtAnkara International Contemporary Art Fair:
1. KYUNGME KIM expresses a heartfelt longing for her mother through the waves of the sea.
2. BONNIE BANG delicately captures the breath and smile of nature.
3. YOUNG-SOOK SONG brings out the beauty of nature through vibrant color and simple lines.
4. BLUeRHEE, infusing art with emotions of happiness and sorrow, the artist’s unique sculptural paintings depict the fleeting transformation of life.
5. SOONNAM KIM, with a distinctive artistic approach, explores the interconnectedness of beings and reflects the philosophy of the Buddhist universe in her creations.
Other participating artists include YEON-SUN KIM (BECCI KIM), Gana Park, ANQI (Melek Anqi), KYUNG-SEOK JOO, and SUNJOO KIM.
Artist Spotlight: Young-sook Song
Young-sook Song’s artistic exploration, themed around “Wayusan Mountain Water,” intricately weaves a narrative that resonates with the prevailing social atmosphere. The artist’s frequent travels and collection of landscape materials have become intertwined with the global upheaval caused by the coronavirus since 2020. Song’s creations serve as reminders of landscapes from childhood, embodying both nostalgia and a response to the evolving socio-cultural landscape.
Artist Spotlight: Bonnie Bang (Hye-kyung Bang)
Bonnie Bang, drawing from the rich tapestry of Korean folk painting and her previous work with Silk Dyeing, brings a unique artistic process to her creations. Like slowly putting make-up on a bare face, Bang employs layering colors and patience in her artistic process. Through the meticulous layering of colors and patient craftsmanship, Bang’s paintings aim to convey hope and humor, mirroring the tradition set by Korean folk painters. The goal is to provide viewers with a profound sense of peace and happiness as they engage with the narratives depicted in her artwork.
Artist Spotlight: Kyungme Kim
Kyungme Kim explores the concept of Haebul Yangsu (Juhaeggar), representing the acceptance of all without discrimination, in her artwork series titled “Mother’s Sea.” By drawing parallels between the primordial sea and a mother’s amniotic fluid, Kim emphasizes the inclusive nature of the sea, advocating for its restoration.
Utilizing various techniques to depict the natural flow of water, Kim captures the dynamic essence of a turbulent sea. Through “Mother’s Sea” series, the artist seeks to counteract destructive impulses, embrace motherhood, and inspire a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Artist Spotlight: BLUeRHEE
BLUeRHEE’s artistic vision revolves around creating the tears of happiness and sorrow, expressed through beads of various sizes and colors. The artist draws a poignant analogy between driftwood and human existence, emphasizing the spiritual freedom attained only after death. In addition, the incorporation of painted silkworm cocoons in their artworks serves as a symbolic representation of thoughts on human birth, death, resurrection, and freedom. Transforming the empty shell into a canvas for new life and stories, BLUeRHee adds depth to their art, exploring themes of rebirth and the continuous narrative of existence.
Artist Spotlight: Soonnam Kim
SOONNAM KIM, with a distinctive artistic approach, explores the interconnectedness of beings and reflects the philosophy of the Buddhist universe in her creations. In her works, she aspires to create abstract visual music that celebrates the aesthetic beauty found in the harmonious melodies and energies of Western classical music, as well as the philosophy of the Buddhist universe, encompassing Hwaeom and Indra’s Net. Her work is driven by the belief that all beings are interconnected and mirror one another.
10th edition of ARTAnkara International Contemporary Art Fair:
ARTANKARA International Contemporary Art Fair showcases works from hundreds of artists across 40 countries, featuring both local and international galleries. Taking place in March for its 10th edition, the fair provides a platform for artists, galleries, collectors, art lovers, and academics. Esther Gallery, known for blending traditional Korean and contemporary art, will participate for the second time this year. The fair preview is on March 6, with the general audience viewing from March 7 to 10 at Ato Congresium.
Learn more about the 10th ARTANKARA Contemporary Art Fair: https://artfairankara.com/
About Esther Gallery:
Established in the eco-friendly Yangpyeong region of South Korea, Esther Gallery aims to enhance the beauty and kindness in the world through exhibitions and participation in national and international art fairs. Hosting regular solo and group exhibitions, the gallery actively participates in various national and international fairs, including Seoul Art Show, K-Art Fair, Incheon Asia Art Show, ArtAnkara, ArtContact Istanbul, and Art Festa Jeju.