Exhibition Information

(Source = luvcontemporaryart)

			LUV Contemporary Art Seoul proudly presents "A Midnight's Dance," a captivating dual exhibition featuring the extraordinary talents of Korean artist Mikel and Berlin-based artist Roman Manikhin. Renowned for their contemporary flair, both artists have honed their craft over the span of decades, creating modern masterpieces through the medium of oil painting. In this exhibition, the canvases come alive with the mesmerizing dance of life's highs and lows, as captured by these two artists, each with their unique background, nationality, and gender.

Mikel's exquisite portraits portray overlapping human figures in vibrant colors and striking dynamic postures that exude an intoxicating allure. However, beneath the surface lies an interplay of surreal elements, such as dizzying staircases and suspended flags, blurring the boundary between reality and fantasy, creating an intriguing sense of instability. These artworks are part of the artist's evocative "Thrown People" series, in which she transmutes life's pain into art, hoping to preserve the essence of humanity even amidst adversity. The inherent anxiety within her artwork remind us that, in the midst of life's perpetual cycle of downfall and growth, what truly matters is safeguarding the essence of our being.

Roman Manikhin, celebrated for his exploration of distorted sensuality, unveils a captivating world inhabited by alluring women and charming creatures. Drawing inspiration from his youthful wanderings with the circus and a profound appreciation for feminine beauty, the artist envisions a paradise where humanity coexists harmoniously with nature. The tender embrace of sensual women and joyful life forms in a warm oasis portrays his idealized Eden. Roman's signature curvilinear brushstrokes and bold use of neon colors poignantly embody the bliss and longing for a harmonious coexistence with nature, surrounded by loved ones.

Both artists' works initially exude a festive and utopian aura. However, looking closer, the expressions on the characters subtly hint at vulnerability, as if foretelling potential tragedies. It is then that we come to realize that true paradise lies not in utopian illusions but in living authentically within the realm of reality, where people coexist and embrace their true essence.

(Source = luvcontemporaryart)