Fremin Gallery will open its doors to Fancy Animal Carnival, a follow up from the 2016 acclaimed public exhibition for artist, Hung Yi, with the Garment District Alliance.
Works from Korean artist, Mi Ju and Chinese photographer, Maleonn will join Hung Yi’s works for the exhibition.
Hung Yi’s whimsical animal sculptures evoke traditional Asian symbols and motifs believed to bring luck. The painted patterns reflect on folk culture and religion, as well as the artist’s personal experiences and observations of people’s everyday lives. Hung Yi’s iconic sculptures can be found in public spaces across the globe, including airports, theater halls, elementary schools and universities. Yi has also exhibited extensively with InSian Gallery in Taiwan, at locations ranging from Taichung City Government buildings to the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store, as well as in various locations across the United States.
Mi Ju’s captivating paintings take inspiration from the intricate ornaments and otherworldly creatures that fill Buddhist temples. Her reimagination of Korean folk art is influenced by the intricacy of psychedelic art, Native American totem poles, Aboriginal topographical art, and diverse perspectives about nature that she has gleaned from her international travels. Most recently, Mi had a solo exhibition at Gallery Poulsen in Copenhagen in 2018 and has shown in numerous art fairs including Art Busan 2018, Art Herning 2018, Pulse Miami Beach 2017, and the Asia Contemporary Art Show, Hong Kong in 2017.
Maleonn creates magical, surreal landscapes in his imaginative photographs by crafting elaborate, dream-like scenes, often set in nature. Similar to Hung Yi and Mi Ju, Maleonn’s work also comments on his cultural upbringing, as he lived through China’s Cultural Revolution. In 2017, Maleonn received the Silver A Design Award in Photography and Photo Manipulation in Italy and his invention of a life-size puppet system for his show, Papa’s Time Machine garnered international acclaim and recognition from the Shanghai International Arts Festival, the International Society for the Performing Arts in 2016, as well as the Spoleto Festival and Israel Festival.
These three Asian artists are unified by their shared interest in utilizing animals and nature as vehicles to reflect inwardly on their respective heritages, and to comment outwardly on pressing aspects of society.
Fancy Animal Carnival will be on view from September 26 to November 9, 2019 at Fremin Gallery. Opening Reception will be held on September 26th from 6-8pm, with RSVP at emmanuel1@fremingallery.com. Fremin Gallery is located at 520 West 23rd Street in Chelsea.