Sueyon yang 10 immortals deluge

Sueyon Yang (b. 1988 ) is an artist who resides between her native home of Seoul, Korea as well as Hong Kong. Her body of work is inspired by humanity’s anxieties towards death and the forlorn pursuit of achieving immortality. She approaches this complex theme through the lens of traditional Korean painting and symbolism, which she specifically studied at the Seoul National University in Korea, graduating with both her Bachelors (2011) and Masters of Fine Arts (2014). Her traditional artistic background creates the framework to produce visually captivating works which grapple with the unpredictability and lack of control of human longevity. This is further emphasized by the use of traditional motifs, such as using particular flora and fauna which carry specific meaning in traditional Korean art, though they are presented in a manner which creates a sense of modern emotional expression. Her paintings invite the viewer into a visual reflection of humanity’s collective fears. She has had multiple group and solo exhibitions around the world, including a nomination for the ‘Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize’ in London (2021). She most recently completed a DFA course for Korean traditional painting from Seoul National University, with her works continuously being showcased in various shows, institutions, and art competitions.

Sueyon Yang's piece "The Ten ImmortalsDeluge" intricately explores humanity's struggle with mortality and the desire to avoid this fate. She depicts this complexity through a skillfully crafted landscape and the use of Sip jang-seangdo, subtly manipulated for deeper meaning. In the context of Korean culture, ownership of a Sip-jang-sean-do painting is thought to prolong life. Such artwork includes the ten symbols of immortality including motifs such as the moon, sun, trees, clouds, and water, all of which are present in the image. However, Sueyon Yang intentionally rearranges these symbols to show conflict. In the composition, water, traditionally a symbol of longevity, becomes forceful waves overtaking trees and mountains. The solar eclipse similarly highlights the contrast between the sun and moon, representing opposing forces and the emotional gravity of humanity's anxiety and struggle against death. Yang's clever use of these symbols prompts the viewer to reflect upon mortals’ fruitless aspiration towards everlasting life.

The Ten Immortals- Deluge

2020 Ink on Korean paper

Framed on scroll

46 3/4 x 33 in. (199 x 84 cm)

Price on request aRtWORk PReSented By:

H. Edward Gallery

T.: +1 (646) 753-2819

E.: hedwardgallery@gmail.com

W.: www.hedwardgallery.com