The Paradox of Beauty
Soluna Fine Art is pleased to present ‘The Paradox of Beauty’, the first solo exhibition of the contemporary Korean hyperrealist painter Jeong Myoung-Jo with the gallery. To commemorate the month of September, which signals the seasonal transition from summer to fall, Jeong’s exhibition showcases a total of 11 works from the artist’s signature oeuvre depicting the women in traditional Korean finery, the hanbok, across different seasons of life and class. ‘The Paradox of Beauty’ will be on view from 16 September - 19 November 2022.
There are deeper implications behind Jeong Myoung-Jo’s painting series, apart from the exterior beauty of the embellishments that the audience may be drawn to at first glance. In addition to the hidden faces of the women, the iconographic interpretations of the background, dresses, hairstyles, jewelry, and motifs give clues to the paradoxical meanings in beauty and status that span from the dawn of history to the modern age in Korea. For example, the backgrounds in the paintings could be distinguished into vibrant color and dark themes, illuminating the subjects’ societal positions and underlying attitudes.
Jeong Myoung-Jo
The Paradox of Beauty #22-02
2022, Oil on canvas
180 x 110 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
The Paradox of Beauty #22-01
2022, Oil on canvas
180 x 100 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
The Paradox of Beauty #21-02
2021, Oil on canvas
53 x 33.4 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
The Paradox of Beauty #21-03
2021, Oil on canvas
80.3 x 116.7 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
The Paradox of Beauty #17-02
2017, Oil on canvas
50 x 65 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
Play-Ground #20-04
2020, Oil on canvas
80.3 x 116.7 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
Play-Ground #16-01
2016, Acrylic and oil on canvas
60 x 60 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
Play-Ground #20-05 Portraits of a Beauty
2020, Oil on canvas
162 x 97 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
Play-Ground #20-06
2020, Oil on canvas
112 x 162 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
The Paradox of Beauty #14-04
2014, Acrylic and oil on canvas
80.3 x 116.7 cm
Jeong Myoung-Jo
The Paradox of Beauty #18-01
2018, Oil on canvas
162.2 x 112 cm