Gallery Grimson in Seoul presents I am nowhere, a solo exhibition by artist Song Young-kyu, running from October 30 through November 25. Known for his explorations of identity and the complex relationship between self and society, Song brings to the forefront themes of isolation and introspection, questioning the social masks individuals often wear. An alumnus of Hongik University’s Department of Fine Arts, Song has garnered attention for his work that combines deeply personal narratives with universal themes of self-discovery.
Song’s artworks in this exhibition delve into the fragmented self, presenting his nuanced view of social and personal identity. Using metaphorical objects like divers, sunflowers, and flowerpots, he delves into the tension between one's inner essence and the social personas imposed by society. His subjects are solitary figures drifting through undefined spaces, representing a desire to detach from societal roles and reconnect with an authentic self. Song’s work invites viewers to reflect on moments when they, too, may wish to escape social expectations and reconnect with a truer sense of identity.
Diver 19 Acrylic on canvas 90.9x72.7cm, 2023
His technique is notably marked by the traditional chiaroscuro style, a method emphasizing light and shadow to achieve depth and realism. This classical approach heightens the emotional impact of his paintings, reinforcing the contrast between the visible, social self and the obscured introspective self. The diver motif in his work represents an escape from societal constraints, symbolizing a journey into the depths of one’s psyche. This diver is an entity cut off from the surface, portraying a desire to disconnect from societal pressures and seek solace within.
The exhibition also marks a thematic expansion in Song’s work. While his previous pieces have focused on the social self’s isolation, I am Nowhere introduces autobiographical elements, recounting incidents from his own early experiences with societal expectations. These childhood memories serve as touchpoints in his art, shedding light on formative experiences that shaped his sense of self. Through this lens, Song introduces the narrative self—a concept of identity as shaped by personal experiences and memories—bringing new depth to his work.
diver 32 Acrylic on canvas, 53x40.9cm, 2024
The paintings in I am nowhere place the viewer within surreal, yet highly detailed spaces that blur the line between reality and imagination. This juxtaposition serves to underscore the duality of human experience, where tangible reality meets the abstract realms of thought and emotion. For viewers, the exhibition becomes an introspective journey, evoking questions about their relationships with social roles and personal identity.
According to Song, the social self is often constrained by unwritten rules and expectations. By portraying this inner conflict through symbolic imagery, he questions whether individuals can truly express their authentic selves within societal frameworks. His paintings reveal figures that are both visible and elusive, symbolizing the complex dance between conforming to societal norms and the yearning to break free.
diver 34 Acrylic on canvas, 53x33.4cm, 2024
With this latest exhibition, Song offers more than just a visual experience—he presents a contemplative space for viewers to confront their own identities. As society continues to place demands on individuals, Song’s work resonates as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-reflection and emotional authenticity.
The exhibition runs until November 25 at Gallery Grimson in Seoul’s Insa-dong district, inviting viewers to step into a world where the boundaries between self and society are explored with a powerful blend of realism and abstraction. Through his distinctive vision, Song Young-kyu presents a compelling exploration of identity, connection, and the courage to face one’s own story.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
Diver 14 Acrylic on canvas 53x45.5cm 2023
Gallery Grimson in Seoul presents I am nowhere, a solo exhibition by artist Song Young-kyu, running from October 30 through November 25. Known for his explorations of identity and the complex relationship between self and society, Song brings to the forefront themes of isolation and introspection, questioning the social masks individuals often wear. An alumnus of Hongik University’s Department of Fine Arts, Song has garnered attention for his work that combines deeply personal narratives with universal themes of self-discovery.
Song’s artworks in this exhibition delve into the fragmented self, presenting his nuanced view of social and personal identity. Using metaphorical objects like divers, sunflowers, and flowerpots, he delves into the tension between one's inner essence and the social personas imposed by society. His subjects are solitary figures drifting through undefined spaces, representing a desire to detach from societal roles and reconnect with an authentic self. Song’s work invites viewers to reflect on moments when they, too, may wish to escape social expectations and reconnect with a truer sense of identity.
Diver 19 Acrylic on canvas 90.9x72.7cm, 2023
His technique is notably marked by the traditional chiaroscuro style, a method emphasizing light and shadow to achieve depth and realism. This classical approach heightens the emotional impact of his paintings, reinforcing the contrast between the visible, social self and the obscured introspective self. The diver motif in his work represents an escape from societal constraints, symbolizing a journey into the depths of one’s psyche. This diver is an entity cut off from the surface, portraying a desire to disconnect from societal pressures and seek solace within.
The exhibition also marks a thematic expansion in Song’s work. While his previous pieces have focused on the social self’s isolation, I am Nowhere introduces autobiographical elements, recounting incidents from his own early experiences with societal expectations. These childhood memories serve as touchpoints in his art, shedding light on formative experiences that shaped his sense of self. Through this lens, Song introduces the narrative self—a concept of identity as shaped by personal experiences and memories—bringing new depth to his work.
diver 32 Acrylic on canvas, 53x40.9cm, 2024
The paintings in I am nowhere place the viewer within surreal, yet highly detailed spaces that blur the line between reality and imagination. This juxtaposition serves to underscore the duality of human experience, where tangible reality meets the abstract realms of thought and emotion. For viewers, the exhibition becomes an introspective journey, evoking questions about their relationships with social roles and personal identity.
According to Song, the social self is often constrained by unwritten rules and expectations. By portraying this inner conflict through symbolic imagery, he questions whether individuals can truly express their authentic selves within societal frameworks. His paintings reveal figures that are both visible and elusive, symbolizing the complex dance between conforming to societal norms and the yearning to break free.
diver 34 Acrylic on canvas, 53x33.4cm, 2024
With this latest exhibition, Song offers more than just a visual experience—he presents a contemplative space for viewers to confront their own identities. As society continues to place demands on individuals, Song’s work resonates as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-reflection and emotional authenticity.
The exhibition runs until November 25 at Gallery Grimson in Seoul’s Insa-dong district, inviting viewers to step into a world where the boundaries between self and society are explored with a powerful blend of realism and abstraction. Through his distinctive vision, Song Young-kyu presents a compelling exploration of identity, connection, and the courage to face one’s own story.
