The Korean Cultural Center in Abu Dhabi invites everyone to attend Color The City, a duo exhibition by Korean artists Lee Yerim and Roh Jungyun, who bring the vibrant essence of Seoul to life in their works. Organised by Not A Galerie, the show is free to attend and will be open to the public until 23 January 2025.
Lee Yerim explores the architectural essence of cities, describing buildings as the face of urban spaces. Born and raised in Seoul, her fascination with the relationship between people and buildings deepened during her time in New York, where she pursued her art career. Having visited cities such as New York, Shanghai, Paris, Tokyo, and Seoul, Lee interprets the emotions and expressions embedded in urban structures, capturing their unique characteristics. Her unconventional syringe-on-canvas technique brings out the cultural and aesthetic significance of the buildings she portrays.
While some buildings hold historical or artistic value, many are simple, everyday structures. Yet, for Lee Yerim, these ordinary spaces tell extraordinary stories, reflecting the lives of those who inhabit them. She compares their solidity with the resilience of individuals who present a calm exterior while harbouring complex inner lives. The artist’s works feature buildings simultaneously strong yet soft, linear yet organically interconnected, mirroring the emotions of urban life.
Meanwhile, Roh Jungyun examines urban spaces that lack a clear identity or are challenging to define. Her focus lies on the interplay between natural elements, such as plants, and artificial structures like walls or fences. Through semi-abstract compositions, she illustrates the coexistence and tension between nature and urban architecture, blending geometric patterns with organic forms to evoke this dynamic relationship.
About the Center
Established in 2016, the Korean Cultural Center in the UAE (KCCUAE) serves as a bridge between Korea and the region, fostering cultural exchange. Operated by the Government of the Republic of Korea, the Center offers a wide range of programs, including language courses, Taekwondo, cooking, and cultural classes. It also hosts film screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and performances to introduce Korean culture and strengthen ties with the Emirates.
To get more information about Garden on Paper, please go to the official web page of the exhibition.
In addition, you might be interested in visiting Indian artist Sohan Qadri’s solo show currently on view at 1X1 Art Gallery.
