The artwork titled “Drowned Thought” (2023), created using oil on linen with dimensions of 90 x 67 inches, is captured in a photo by Paul Litherland. All images are shared courtesy of GaHee Park and Perrotin with permission.
In a concise email exchange discussing her artistic endeavors, GaHee Park emphasizes the concept of freedom multiple times. The artist, originally from Seoul and currently based in Montréal, aims to break away from realism in her artistry. Her goal is to infuse her paintings with the expressive and simplified essence of abstraction, crafting opulent scenes featuring recurring elements such as eyes and fish. Park explains, “I like to consider every element in my work, whether it’s animals or human figures, as components of a still life. This perspective grants me the liberty to create visuals more freely.”
Employing flat planes of oil on linen, Park envisions surreal tableaus and moments of disrupted intimacy, initiating each artwork with a preliminary sketch. She reveals, “At times, I preserve these sketches for several years in a drawer until I feel confident in the imagery and ready to translate it into a painting.” The artist frequently incorporates images or motifs from previous works, enabling her to manipulate familiar forms with greater freedom and delve deeper into these subjects.
The theme of flesh recurs prominently in Park’s creations, whether depicted on the human form, fruits, or fish. These more carnal aspects of her artistry exude allure yet are tainted by swarms of ants or conflicting emotions, reflecting on the joys and sorrows of existence. For instance, in pieces like “Drowned Thought” and “Waiting with the Fishes,” eyes are suspended in glasses brimming with vibrant liquids, symbolizing “various emotions and states of consciousness,” she elaborates. This motif serves to either capture a singular moment or portray multiple emotional states simultaneously.
Fish hold a special significance for the artist, stemming from her personal experiences. Park shares, “My grandmother used to sell fresh fish at a market in Korea, and I have always been surrounded by (deceased) fish and seafood. Observing them from a young age likely fuels my desire to depict them in my art.” She finds a sense of familiarity intertwined with an alien quality when portraying these aquatic creatures.
GaHee Park is set to unveil her upcoming solo exhibition, Fun and Games, commencing on February 24 in New York. Additionally, her artwork is currently featured in 50 Paintings at an undisclosed location. To stay updated on her latest projects, follow her artistic journey here.
The piece titled “Three Faces and a Shadow” (2021), crafted using oil on canvas measuring 52 x 48 inches, is captured in a photograph by Tanguy Beurdeley.
In the artwork “Cat with a View” (2022), executed using oil on canvas with dimensions of 60 x 80 inches, the scene is immortalized in a photo by Marion Paquette.
The artwork “Waiting with the Fishes” (2023), rendered in oil on linen with a size of 25 x 24 inches, is photographed by Paul Litherland.
“Half Asleep Night” (2022), depicted on canvas measuring 34 x 41 inches using oil, is showcased in an image by Elad Sarig. The visual content is courtesy of the artist and Nassima Landau.
The artwork “Touch I” (2022), presented on a canvas sized 40 x 48 inches with oil as the medium, is captured in a photo by Paul Litherland.
In the piece “Seafood Dream” (2020), portrayed on canvas measuring 24 x 25 inches using oil, the imagery is photographed by Guillaume Ziccarelli.
“Touch II” (2022), depicted on canvas with dimensions of 40 x 48 inches using oil, is showcased in a photograph by Paul Litherland.
The artwork “Still Life with Slugs” (2022), created on canvas sized 38 x 32 inches with oil as the medium, is captured in an image by Marion Paquette.
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