Hanmi Gallery Seoul is pleased to present ‘Metaphysics’ a group exhibition, featuring Korean artists, Sungfeel Yun and Jungouk Hong, who are both currently based in the UK and Korea, working across variable mediums, from 2-dimensional works, sculpture, and installation. The exhibition will focus on the different interpretations of the two artists works in relation to theories concerning the origins of the universe and universal physics. For example, Yin and Yang, an Eastern philosophy that comments on the delicate balance of life, and the need for complementary counterparts to enable a whole; and Wu Xing, a philosophy that refers to the repeating cycles of creation and destruction, based on the 5 elements; earth, metal, water, wood and fire.

Both artists’ works depict an abstract and restrained visual language, which signifies a delicate understanding of these philosophies. However Hong and Yun differ when concerning their specific artistic references and areas of visual pursuit. Jungouk Hong delves into primary values that are ingrained in the world; toying with quantifiable systems, such as numerals, dots, lines and dynamic mechanics like Gravity. Hong’s works are based on organised formations of simple metaphysical forms, and his works recurrently echo but are not limited to, geometric forms; as some works elude to a much more organic appearance, which reflect his conceptual theories surrounding the tension between natural systems.

Hong’s sculptural creations interchange in accordance to one’s perspective, adding yet more fluidity and malleability to perhaps seemingly geometric and rigid works. Hong releases his potentially two-dimensional work by audaciously adding sculptural lines and shapes, in doing this his works appear mobile, engendered with overlaps and intersections. By repetitive manual labour Hong instinctively creates works that embodies the constant and ongoing cycle of the universe, this is eminent in the recurring forms that appear in his work which appear ever expanding.

The meticulous and repetitive way in which he creates his work enables a singular shape that would otherwise appear basic to be transformed into a complex multiple. Hong reacts to Metaphysics via the conceptual theories that surround universal physics, such as the expansive subject of gravity; he manipulates the actuality of gravity to produce works that differ from the point of view from which you experience. Sungfeel Yun derives his notions from a mixture of Eastern and Western philosophies, such as Yin and Yang, which is the basis of many Eastern philosophies and Quantum Mechanics, a theory developed from Western science.

Ancient Eastern philosophies do not differ in essence from Western theories; both demonstrate origin, circulation and the energy of the universe. These ideas are epitomized in works such as Energy 21 (right) the repetitive nature of the lines elude to an expanding form such as the universe, and the use of the magnetic motor further connote a sense of continual movement and expansion.Although both theories deem that the energy of the universe creates it’s own patterns, and is averse to randomness and disorder their methods of approach are different.

Eastern philosophies draw these rules through metaphysical ideology, thoughts such as the circulation of energy and the repetitive cycles of creation and destruction; whereas Quantum Mechanics does so through physical behaviors and objects. Yun visualizes systems of the Cosmos by using the magnetic force of metal. Iron filings temporarily attached to the aluminum circle rotate around the axis, symbolizing Yun’s philosophy that all creations of nature move around an axis and always exist as a statute of contemporary combination. Yun also comments on the ever changing fragility of the universe and it’s systems by converting iron, a material known for it’s strength into something that appears to become something much more fragile and impressionable.