Known for immersive sculptures and installations that stimulate the senses, Seoul-born artist Hedge Yang looks at common materials and traditional craft techniques to explore pressing problems. She often transforms household objects such as blinds, electric fans and even cans of spam into dynamic, abstract works that comment on socio-political topics such as migration, labor and exile.
Although the artist has received international recognition for her three-dimensional works, there is an exhibition in them The Art Club of Chicago looks at another side of her practice. Flat works provides an overview of twenty years of Yang’s paintings, prints and collages, including her fascinating series, Enchanting mesh.
Geometric floral motifs characterize the seductive compositions made of cut and folded Hanjipaper derived from mulberry tree bark. Enchanting mesh refers to shamanic traditions, especially in Korea, Japan, China and Slavic regions, and to what comes from communication with the spirit world.
According to a statement about the series, the symmetrical works refer to “somun, a sheet hung from the ceiling during rituals…to keep evil spirits away,” while the more figurative, anthropomorphic pieces “resemble soul sheets (nukjeon), in which the shaman breathes a spirit that is treated as the identical entity of the deceased being honored.”
Like her sculptures, these collages recontextualize a modest, everyday material. Although two-dimensional, the layered works convey depth and each appears as a kind of portal that leads the viewer to an enchanting, mystical world.
Flat works continues through December 20 in Chicago.
