Light of Moha, Mirror stainless, glass casting, LED lighting, 2013, Courtesy of Topo House
Topo House is hosting Beyond the Clouds, a retrospective exhibition of works by renowned Korean media artist Ahn Jong Yuen, from December 11 to December 29, 2024. Known as one of Korea’s pioneering female media artists, Ahn’s career spans multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, public art, and new media. This exhibition offers a profound look at her exploration of light as a philosophical and artistic cornerstone.
Ahn Jong Yuen began her career in the early 1980s, focusing on enclosed spaces such as workshops, interiors, and window-lit rooms. Her celebrated Room Series evolved from these beginnings, portraying objects not merely as physical forms but as entities imbued with life and narrative. Her relentless curiosity about light and the cosmos has since propelled her to create works that transcend physical and conceptual boundaries.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Topo House
Nicknamed "Mother of Light," Ahn has dedicated her life to capturing the intangible beauty of illumination. Her journey, marked by an unwavering commitment to her craft, mirrors the solitary yet purposeful path of pioneering Korean abstract artist Lee Seong Ja, often described as "like the horn of a rhinoceros." The parallel dedication of these two trailblazing women highlights the significance of persistence in art.
Beyond the Clouds encapsulates Ahn’s decades-long career, showcasing works from her early paintings to her most recent light installations. Visitors can explore her transformation over the years, with pieces ranging from paintings reflecting inner sanctuaries to cutting-edge LED-based media art that utilizes optical diffusion films. The exhibition not only chronicles her artistic evolution but also celebrates her innovative approaches to blending technology and artistic expression.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Topo House
In her artist’s statement, Ahn reflects, “I am grateful for life itself and strive to bring my visions to reality. I keep reminding myself of the phrase ‘dreams come true’ as I unfold the images I have envisioned. Each day is a journey of discovery and invention, a continual process of introspection and creation. I hope my works, which I offer with an open heart, remain vibrant and loved by those who encounter them.”
Topo House’s unique gallery space has been transformed into a luminous archive, filled with the essence of Ahn’s creative process. From her intimate early works to her awe-inspiring installations, the exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the radiant world she has built.
Situated in Seoul, Topo House is recognized for its dedication to presenting groundbreaking exhibitions pushing contemporary art's boundaries. Beyond the Clouds is no exception, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the mind of an artist whose lifelong devotion to light continues to inspire.
Light of Moha, Mirror stainless, glass casting, LED lighting, 2013, Courtesy of Topo House
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
Light of Moha, Mirror stainless, glass casting, LED lighting, 2013, Courtesy of Topo House
Topo House is hosting Beyond the Clouds, a retrospective exhibition of works by renowned Korean media artist Ahn Jong Yuen, from December 11 to December 29, 2024. Known as one of Korea’s pioneering female media artists, Ahn’s career spans multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, public art, and new media. This exhibition offers a profound look at her exploration of light as a philosophical and artistic cornerstone.
Ahn Jong Yuen began her career in the early 1980s, focusing on enclosed spaces such as workshops, interiors, and window-lit rooms. Her celebrated Room Series evolved from these beginnings, portraying objects not merely as physical forms but as entities imbued with life and narrative. Her relentless curiosity about light and the cosmos has since propelled her to create works that transcend physical and conceptual boundaries.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Topo House
Nicknamed "Mother of Light," Ahn has dedicated her life to capturing the intangible beauty of illumination. Her journey, marked by an unwavering commitment to her craft, mirrors the solitary yet purposeful path of pioneering Korean abstract artist Lee Seong Ja, often described as "like the horn of a rhinoceros." The parallel dedication of these two trailblazing women highlights the significance of persistence in art.
Beyond the Clouds encapsulates Ahn’s decades-long career, showcasing works from her early paintings to her most recent light installations. Visitors can explore her transformation over the years, with pieces ranging from paintings reflecting inner sanctuaries to cutting-edge LED-based media art that utilizes optical diffusion films. The exhibition not only chronicles her artistic evolution but also celebrates her innovative approaches to blending technology and artistic expression.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Topo House
In her artist’s statement, Ahn reflects, “I am grateful for life itself and strive to bring my visions to reality. I keep reminding myself of the phrase ‘dreams come true’ as I unfold the images I have envisioned. Each day is a journey of discovery and invention, a continual process of introspection and creation. I hope my works, which I offer with an open heart, remain vibrant and loved by those who encounter them.”
Topo House’s unique gallery space has been transformed into a luminous archive, filled with the essence of Ahn’s creative process. From her intimate early works to her awe-inspiring installations, the exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the radiant world she has built.
Situated in Seoul, Topo House is recognized for its dedication to presenting groundbreaking exhibitions pushing contemporary art's boundaries. Beyond the Clouds is no exception, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the mind of an artist whose lifelong devotion to light continues to inspire.
Light of Moha, Mirror stainless, glass casting, LED lighting, 2013, Courtesy of Topo House
