Exhibition Information

Taejin Seong Life goes on
2023 Acrylic and ink on embossed wood panel 150x100cm
(Image Source = 2gil29gallery)

Taejin Seong
2017-2023 Acrylic and ink on embossed woodpanel 110x100cm
(Image Source = 2gil29gallery)

Taejin Seong
2023 Acrylic and ink on embossed woodpanel 170x110cm
(Image Source = 2gil29gallery)

Taejin Seong beyond the universe(waterfall)
2023 Acrylic and ink on embossed wood panel 150x70cm
(Image Source = 2gil29gallery)

			2GIL29 GALLERY is proud to present "All my days and precious moments" a solo exhibition by artist Taejin Seong (b. 1974), running from December 9, 2023, to January 13, 2024. This pivotal exhibition explores the intersection of popular culture and contemporary Korean art, conveying a human message of hope and belief through over fifty works, including paintings and installations. Centered around the popular symbol of 'Taekwon V,' Seong delves into the fundamental aspects of our humanity. By humanizing the robotic figure from animation, he illuminates the often overlooked yet critical moments in everyday life. His works embody a warm perspective on social indifference and the marginalized, delivering life's vicissitudes with satirical yet profound impact to the audience.

Seong's creative process manifests in the traditional method of engraving text and images on woodblocks, a practice that echoes the patriotic spirit of our ancestors who engraved the Tripitaka Koreana. This unique method integrates personal aspirations with the spirit of Korean culture within the realm of contemporary art. By unifying modern societal realities with his production techniques, Seong reinterprets Taekwon V as a symbol of Korean energy, playing a crucial role in conveying the originality of contemporary Korean art to the world.

One of the exhibition's highlights, the engraved 'Rocket Punch' on woodblock, symbolizes the uncertainty and hope of our lives. The image of Rocket Punch adrift in space visually expresses the infinite energy of life, prompting viewers to discover the unfinished beauty and potential within their own lives. "All my days and precious moments" at 2GIL29 GALLERY offers a profound reflection on the everyday and defining moments in our individual lives. By exploring genuine human hope and belief, Seong merges personal experiences with the rich symbolism of Korean culture, attempting an artistic response to the cultural and societal challenges we face today. The exhibition fosters an artistic dialogue that plays a vital role in our lives and culture at every moment, creating a cultural conversation that bridges the past, present, and future.

Artis Introduction 

Taejin Seong, born in 1974, began his career with a background in computer engineering but later pursued printmaking at ChuGye University for the Arts and completed his master's degree at Hongik University. He has been actively working and exhibiting his art on international stages in New York, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Although he initially focused on engineering, his exceptional interest in art and history eventually led him to become an artist. One of his works is inspired by 'Taekwon V,' a favorite childhood show, and utilizes printmaking techniques. This piece involves carving images onto woodblocks in relief and applying layers of color. Seong’s interpretation of Taekwon V is not as a heroic steel robot, but rather as a realistic reflection of contemporary society. In his depiction, Taekwon V, dressed in exercise clothes instead of armor, humorously represents the joys and sorrows of modern life. Seong uses the simplistic flatness of cartoons and a narrative structure combining text and images to convey a story about the lost dreams of youth and the apathy felt by the unemployed young generation. His work, reflecting societal indifference, is also a tender portrayal of the marginalized and powerless common people. These series of artworks are characteristic of Seong's unique artistic language, addressing universally relatable themes from the past to the present. His works, known for their bright colors and humor, are widely appreciated across generations and cover various genres, including printmaking, media art, and installation art.

(Source = 2gil29gallery)