The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Gamgak
Nam In Hui’s solo exhibition, Mythery Stone, is on view at Gallery Gamgak in Gangneung until December 31. The exhibition title, combining the words “myth” and “mystery,” reflects its central theme of exploring the mythological and symbolic significance of rocks along Korea’s East Coast. Drawing inspiration from local folklore, Nam reinterprets the sacred and enduring qualities of rocks, weaving them into a contemporary artistic narrative that connects nature and human psychology.
In East Coast folklore, rocks and stones are seen as sacred entities imbued with vitality and divine power. Their permanence and resilience mirror the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs of ancient societies. Nam In Hui’s works reinterpret this cultural heritage through video art, two-dimensional pieces, and sound installations, transforming rocks from natural objects into metaphors for the human psyche.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Gamgak
According to Nam’s artist statement, rocks hold the memory of molten lava and the passage of time. Their unique fractures and layers—shaped by countless geological shifts—serve as a metaphor for the human mind. Nam describes these formations as “mental joints,” which symbolize the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of human emotions and consciousness. These fissures are not static but embody a continuous process of inscription, erasure, and transformation.
The exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the ancient myths surrounding rocks, now relegated to the status of tourist attractions, and to explore their deeper spiritual significance. Through her work, Nam revisits the sacred function of geological formations that were once central to ancient rituals and beliefs. Her “mental joints” concept reframes the fissures of rocks as traces of an ongoing search for essence and identity within human nature.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Gamgak
Nam’s reinterpretation of the sacred stones incorporates diverse media, from moving images to auditory elements, creating a multi-sensory experience. By portraying rocks as metaphors for human emotions, she bridges the gap between nature and humanity, offering a fresh perspective on their interconnectedness.
This exhibition is supported by the Gangwon Cultural Foundation as part of its Professional Arts Support Program. Nam In Hui, a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, later pursued a degree in expressive arts therapy at Myongji University’s Graduate School of Integrated Therapy. Her background in both fine arts and expressive therapy enriches her ability to connect natural phenomena with the complexities of human emotion.
Through Mythery Stone, Nam draws attention to the enduring power of rocks as mirrors of the human spirit, presenting them not just as remnants of geological history but as living symbols of transformation and resilience.
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Gamgak
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Gamgak
Nam In Hui’s solo exhibition, Mythery Stone, is on view at Gallery Gamgak in Gangneung until December 31. The exhibition title, combining the words “myth” and “mystery,” reflects its central theme of exploring the mythological and symbolic significance of rocks along Korea’s East Coast. Drawing inspiration from local folklore, Nam reinterprets the sacred and enduring qualities of rocks, weaving them into a contemporary artistic narrative that connects nature and human psychology.
In East Coast folklore, rocks and stones are seen as sacred entities imbued with vitality and divine power. Their permanence and resilience mirror the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs of ancient societies. Nam In Hui’s works reinterpret this cultural heritage through video art, two-dimensional pieces, and sound installations, transforming rocks from natural objects into metaphors for the human psyche.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Gamgak
According to Nam’s artist statement, rocks hold the memory of molten lava and the passage of time. Their unique fractures and layers—shaped by countless geological shifts—serve as a metaphor for the human mind. Nam describes these formations as “mental joints,” which symbolize the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of human emotions and consciousness. These fissures are not static but embody a continuous process of inscription, erasure, and transformation.
The exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the ancient myths surrounding rocks, now relegated to the status of tourist attractions, and to explore their deeper spiritual significance. Through her work, Nam revisits the sacred function of geological formations that were once central to ancient rituals and beliefs. Her “mental joints” concept reframes the fissures of rocks as traces of an ongoing search for essence and identity within human nature.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Gamgak
Nam’s reinterpretation of the sacred stones incorporates diverse media, from moving images to auditory elements, creating a multi-sensory experience. By portraying rocks as metaphors for human emotions, she bridges the gap between nature and humanity, offering a fresh perspective on their interconnectedness.
This exhibition is supported by the Gangwon Cultural Foundation as part of its Professional Arts Support Program. Nam In Hui, a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, later pursued a degree in expressive arts therapy at Myongji University’s Graduate School of Integrated Therapy. Her background in both fine arts and expressive therapy enriches her ability to connect natural phenomena with the complexities of human emotion.
Through Mythery Stone, Nam draws attention to the enduring power of rocks as mirrors of the human spirit, presenting them not just as remnants of geological history but as living symbols of transformation and resilience.
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Gallery Gamgak
