Emerging into a New World, Small Figures Explore Seonna Hong’s Dreamlike Landscapes

Art

#landscapes
#painting
#Seonna Hong

Emerging into a New World, Small Figures Explore Seonna Hong’s Dreamlike Landscapes

June 7, 2023

Grace Ebert

“Atmospheric River” (2023), mixed media on canvas, 30 x 24 inches. All images © Seonna Hong, courtesy of Hashimoto Contemporary, shared with permission

Connection and interaction are at the heart of Seonna Hong’s latest body of work, which positions minimally rendered figures amid abstract landscapes. Through patchy brushstrokes of acrylic and oil pastel, the Los Angeles-based artist contrasts the opaque colors of the subjects’ limbs or garments with the rough, mottled environments they occupy. Generally diminutive in comparison to their surroundings, the figures remain anonymous and adventurous, exploring ethereal expanses. Voluptuous fields of orange, large stones in pinks and reds, and mountains of haphazard markings appear like distant figments of a dream.

The works shown here are on view this week as part of Murmurations, Hong’s latest solo show at Hashimoto Contemporary in New York. Comprised of vibrant paintings and drawings in grainy colored pencil, the exhibition reflects the experience of re-emerging into public space following the pandemic. Firmly in discovery mode, the figures traverse the unearthly landscapes and tempestuous weather events and convene with each other as they form new bonds between humanity and nature.

Murmurations is on view through July 1. Find more from Hong on her site and Instagram.

“People Person” (2023), acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, diptych, 48 x 72 inches

“Quiet Day” (2023), mixed media on drywall, 23 3/4 x 23 3/4 inches

Left: “Memory Catalog” (2023), acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, 60 x 48 inches. Right: “Murmurations” (2023), acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, 60 x 48 inches

“Super Position” (2023), mixed media on wood, 8 1/2 x 11 inches

“Do You Believe In People” (2023), mixed media on wood, 8 1/2 x 11 inches

“Warm Storm” (2023), acrylic and oil pastel on wood, 10 x 8 inches

#landscapes
#painting
#Seonna Hong

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