South Korean artist Yi Yi Jeong Eun, showcased at Hong Kong’s Ora-Ora gallery, presents a captivating collection of oil paintings that delve deep into the essence of nature. Known professionally as Yi Yi, her work is characterized by vibrant impasto techniques and an abstract style, inviting viewers into a world where nature’s intrinsic beauty and energy are brought to life on canvas.
Yi Yi’s journey as an artist has seen a significant evolution. Initially inspired by the materialistic culture symbolized by stores like Costco, with their endless arrays of boxed products, her focus shifted dramatically following a visit to South Korea’s Taebaek Mountain. This experience awakened in her a profound connection to nature, leading to a radical transformation in her artistic expression.
Her current series of paintings, including works like “There, On Being Alive” and “There, Breaking Through The Ground,” stem from both grand landscapes and the delicate flora gifted by her art students. Regardless of the subject’s size, Yi Yi aims to capture what she perceives as the vital spirit residing in even the minutest elements of nature.
“What fascinates me the most are plants. Despite their fragility, they exhibit incredible resilience and strength, surviving harsh conditions with grace,” Yi Yi explains. Her paintings reflect this admiration, using varied brushstrokes to mirror the diversity and dynamism of the natural world. “Different plants react uniquely to elements like wind, and I strive to represent this in my work through my use of color, brushwork, and texture.”
Yi Yi’s approach to painting is meticulous and layered, often applying up to ten layers of paint to achieve the desired depth and texture. This technique adds a tangible vitality to her work, offering viewers an immersive experience that digital reproductions simply cannot capture.
Her transformation from urban themes to nature-centric art signifies a personal and artistic growth, revealing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around her. “I used to be drawn to the consumerist allure of urban life, but now, nature’s vibrancy and life force are what inspire me to create.”
Visitors to the Ora-Ora gallery in Hong Kong can witness firsthand the mesmerizing depth and energy of Yi Yi’s paintings, a testament to her profound connection with the natural world and her mastery of the oil painting medium.
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