Dopamine Choi's solo exhibition 'Fake Dopamine, Missing Dopamine' is held at Gallery Sejul
Jason Yim / Published October 17, 2024 09:12 PM
Jason Yim
SupportA, Acrylic on canvas, 162.2 x 112.1cm, 2024, Courtesy of Gallery Sejul
The latest exhibition at Gallery Sejul, Fake Dopamine, Missing Dopamine by artist Dopamine.C, presents an in-depth exploration of the layers of human emotions, addiction, and deficiencies that exist within the modern world. Running from October 10 to 31, 2024, the exhibition delves into how dopamine, a chemical associated with happiness and addiction, reflects our inner selves and societal conditions.
Dopamine, once primarily understood as a neurotransmitter, has evolved into a modern cultural symbol, often representing both the pursuit of pleasure and the risk of addiction. However, in this exhibition, Dopamine.C takes a broader view, presenting dopamine not just as a chemical tied to happiness, but as a complex force that influences a full spectrum of human emotions—joy, sadness, passion, and despair. Rather than relying on a simplistic understanding of dopamine as purely pleasure-inducing, the artist invites viewers to reflect on its deeper implications within our everyday lives.
Temptation, Acrylic on canvas, 162.2 x 130.3cm, 2024, Courtesy of Gallery Sejul
Central to Fake Dopamine, and Missing Dopamine are three key symbolic colors. The bright colors of balloons symbolize the artificial inflation of joy and the fleeting nature of pleasure. Flowers, with their ephemeral beauty, represent nature's cycle of life and death, while the paint on the canvas signifies the personal fulfillment that comes from the artist's creative process. Through these visual elements, the artist metaphorically explores how dopamine evokes a range of emotional responses, from temporary delight to the emptiness that often follows.
The concept of "Fake Dopamine" is particularly relevant in today’s consumer-driven world, where instant gratification is readily available but often leaves behind a sense of emptiness. The cheerful, almost childlike appeal of the colors may attract us, yet behind that surface lies a deeper critique of the hollow nature of modern pleasure. The artist reflects on how these superficial sources of joy have become embedded in our value systems, prompting a critical examination of their long-term effects on society.
Favorite color, Acrylic on canvas, 162.2 x 112.1 cm, 2024, Courtesy of Gallery Sejul
Conversely, “Missing Dopamine” turns our attention back to the natural world, encouraging us to rediscover the beauty and emotions we may have lost in our fast-paced lives. In this part of the exhibition, Dopamine.C examines the gap between our modern pursuit of artificial pleasure and the more grounded, often overlooked joys that arise from the natural rhythms of life. The artist invites viewers to pause and reflect on the delicate balance between these two worlds, and how reconnecting with natural beauty can fill the emotional voids we may not even realize exist.
The tension between the inflated joy symbolized by balloons and the natural cycle embodied by flowers illustrates the complex interaction between the human psyche and the external world. As dopamine influences both our pursuit of immediate pleasure and our deeper emotional needs, the artist examines how these conflicting forces shape our daily lives. By bringing these contrasting elements together, Dopamine.C reveals that dopamine is far more than just a simple trigger for happiness—it is a driving force that both shapes and distorts our emotional landscape.
The creator, Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 72.7 cm, 2024, Courtesy of Gallery Sejul
For Dopamine.C, the process of creation itself mirrors the search for dopamine. Through the act of layering colors and shapes on the canvas, the artist experiences moments of fulfillment, yet acknowledges that the satisfaction derived from artistic creation, like dopamine, can be transient. The exhibition challenges viewers to consider whether the joy we pursue—whether through art, nature, or consumer pleasures—is fleeting or sustainable.
Ultimately, Fake Dopamine, Missing Dopamine offers a reflective look at the emotional and psychological underpinnings of modern life. The exhibition serves as a reminder that our quest for happiness is not as straightforward as it may seem. It prompts viewers to examine the balance between immediate gratification and long-term fulfillment, asking whether we are truly satisfied with the dopamine we chase, or if something essential is still missing from our emotional lives.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
SupportA, Acrylic on canvas, 162.2 x 112.1cm, 2024, Courtesy of Gallery Sejul
The latest exhibition at Gallery Sejul, Fake Dopamine, Missing Dopamine by artist Dopamine.C, presents an in-depth exploration of the layers of human emotions, addiction, and deficiencies that exist within the modern world. Running from October 10 to 31, 2024, the exhibition delves into how dopamine, a chemical associated with happiness and addiction, reflects our inner selves and societal conditions.
Dopamine, once primarily understood as a neurotransmitter, has evolved into a modern cultural symbol, often representing both the pursuit of pleasure and the risk of addiction. However, in this exhibition, Dopamine.C takes a broader view, presenting dopamine not just as a chemical tied to happiness, but as a complex force that influences a full spectrum of human emotions—joy, sadness, passion, and despair. Rather than relying on a simplistic understanding of dopamine as purely pleasure-inducing, the artist invites viewers to reflect on its deeper implications within our everyday lives.
Temptation, Acrylic on canvas, 162.2 x 130.3cm, 2024, Courtesy of Gallery Sejul
Central to Fake Dopamine, and Missing Dopamine are three key symbolic colors. The bright colors of balloons symbolize the artificial inflation of joy and the fleeting nature of pleasure. Flowers, with their ephemeral beauty, represent nature's cycle of life and death, while the paint on the canvas signifies the personal fulfillment that comes from the artist's creative process. Through these visual elements, the artist metaphorically explores how dopamine evokes a range of emotional responses, from temporary delight to the emptiness that often follows.
The concept of "Fake Dopamine" is particularly relevant in today’s consumer-driven world, where instant gratification is readily available but often leaves behind a sense of emptiness. The cheerful, almost childlike appeal of the colors may attract us, yet behind that surface lies a deeper critique of the hollow nature of modern pleasure. The artist reflects on how these superficial sources of joy have become embedded in our value systems, prompting a critical examination of their long-term effects on society.
Favorite color, Acrylic on canvas, 162.2 x 112.1 cm, 2024, Courtesy of Gallery Sejul
Conversely, “Missing Dopamine” turns our attention back to the natural world, encouraging us to rediscover the beauty and emotions we may have lost in our fast-paced lives. In this part of the exhibition, Dopamine.C examines the gap between our modern pursuit of artificial pleasure and the more grounded, often overlooked joys that arise from the natural rhythms of life. The artist invites viewers to pause and reflect on the delicate balance between these two worlds, and how reconnecting with natural beauty can fill the emotional voids we may not even realize exist.
The tension between the inflated joy symbolized by balloons and the natural cycle embodied by flowers illustrates the complex interaction between the human psyche and the external world. As dopamine influences both our pursuit of immediate pleasure and our deeper emotional needs, the artist examines how these conflicting forces shape our daily lives. By bringing these contrasting elements together, Dopamine.C reveals that dopamine is far more than just a simple trigger for happiness—it is a driving force that both shapes and distorts our emotional landscape.
The creator, Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 72.7 cm, 2024, Courtesy of Gallery Sejul
For Dopamine.C, the process of creation itself mirrors the search for dopamine. Through the act of layering colors and shapes on the canvas, the artist experiences moments of fulfillment, yet acknowledges that the satisfaction derived from artistic creation, like dopamine, can be transient. The exhibition challenges viewers to consider whether the joy we pursue—whether through art, nature, or consumer pleasures—is fleeting or sustainable.
Ultimately, Fake Dopamine, Missing Dopamine offers a reflective look at the emotional and psychological underpinnings of modern life. The exhibition serves as a reminder that our quest for happiness is not as straightforward as it may seem. It prompts viewers to examine the balance between immediate gratification and long-term fulfillment, asking whether we are truly satisfied with the dopamine we chase, or if something essential is still missing from our emotional lives.
