Hakgojae Gallery presents Kang Yo Bae’s works in two separate exhibitions, section 1 and 2. The first section, Just, Image, which was on view from May 25th to June 17th, 2018 has successfully ended. This exhibition was acclaimed to display the themes of Kang’s recent works and grasp the artist’s oeuvre and its flow in depth. The second section, Memento, Camellia, is on view from June 22nd to July 15th, 2018. This exhibition accumulates Kang’s historical works, widely known by The Camellia Has Fallen, into one space. This accumulated composition has never been prosecuted before. About 50 works from 1989-1992 and 10 annual works that the artist created to commemorate the Jeju 4.3 from 1992 to 2016 is exhibited under the subthemes, ‘The Camellia Has Fallen’ and ‘After the Camellia Has Fallen.’
Once examined carefully, one could realize that rather than merely depicting the scenery of specific areas, Kang’s works deliberate the history that took place in these areas and the people who lived throughout the history. This exhibition allows the audience to explore the contemplation towards how art regards contemporary history, through the works of Kang Yo Bae, who believes that art and life are not separate from one another, thus art must integrate its era.
Kang Yo Bae is the artist who painted The Camellia Has Fallen (1991), which the red camellia symbol for the Jeju 4.3 Resistance originated from. He justly demonstrated the truth of the Jeju 4.3 Resistance and opened a new prospect for historical paintings through his exhibition, The History of Jeju Minjung Resistance (1992, Hakgojae Gallery). Therefore, this exhibition that encompasses Kang’s historical works as a whole, opening in the 70th anniversary of Jeju 4.3 Resistance is even more significant. It strongly enlightens the importance of remembering and understanding history, and to honor and commemorate the victims. Hakgojae Gallery, alongside with the artist, aspires to organize Kang’s oeuvres up to the present, and reflect on it to create an opportunity to go forwards.
