Better Not to be Named: Kang Cheol Gyu, Lee Ue Sung, Chung Hee Seung

CHAPTER II  2022. 1. 20 - 3. 1

CHAPTER II YARD 2022. 3. 17 - 4. 23

Chapter II is pleased to announce, Better Not to be Named, a group exhibition of works by the 5th resident artists from 20th January to 26th February in Yeonnam-dong, Seoul. The exhibition features artistic achievements in different media of three artists—Kang Cheol Gyu (Painting), Lee Ue Sung (Installation) and Chung Hee Seung (Photography)—who have sought to visualize ineffable and intangible occurrences such as emotion, relation or atmosphere and it also provides an opportunity to estimate their future directions. 

Pascal Quignard (b.1948) insisted that words are not something already formed as sound inside a mouth but they are spoken in search of language—the absent, that remains absent on the tip of the tongue. A ‘structure’ in any field can be explained as an outcome established by objectification, which has developed over trial and error; in terms of ‘language’, it indicates the course of communication relying on the combinations of words that adhere to mutual agreements between individuals. However, because the interdependence of members and external parties has been emphasized throughout the stages of civilizational advancement, it has gradually developed into simplifying the denominators found in subjective emotions and sensorial experiences of each individual. In this context, what Pascal Quignard attempted to articulate is that language as a means of expression is a mere symbol imperfect with inherent limitations rather than our credible spokesman. 

It is why we can often encounter the term, ‘nuance’, in the realm of criticism of art and literature. By accepting the subtle differences in expressions, it is possible to avoid monotonous aspects of blunt narratives and respect the intention of creators more. When it comes to naming an artwork, ‘Untitled’ is general as there is certain apprehension that specific titles might distort or limit the overall theme and ambience of works.   

Intriguingly, in order to grasp the artists’ authentic sensibility influencing the creating process and approach towards the original intention of the three artists’ practice, it is necessary to give up on an expectation for instant and obvious appreciation. The works triggered by delicate sensitivity and unique imagination instead of clear storylines or causal logics consequently draw a variety of interpretations and inferences which cannot be defined as a single word; moreover, they encourage the viewers to look forwards to another ‘Untitled’ which will emerge in the Chapter II Residency program.   

Kang Cheol Gyu (b.1990) graduated with a BFA in Painting and an MFA in Fine Art from Hannam University. He has exhibited solo presentations at Leeungno Museum M2 (2021), Artist Residency TEMI (2020), Gallery Gabi (2018) and Gallery Goat Bean (2017). He attended group exhibitions at Kara’s Gallery (2020), DMA Art Center (2018), Gallery Gabi (2017) and recently an exhibition, Loss, Everything That Happened to Me at Daejeon Museum of Art (2021).

Lee Ue Sung (b.1982) received a BFA in Fine Art Education from Inha University and an MFA in Fine Art from the Glasgow School of Art. He held his solo exhibitions at Project Space Sarubia (2019) and Insa Art Space (2017). He attended group exhibitions at multiple establishments including Gallery Baton (2022), Show and Tell (2021), Jeonbuk Museum of Art (2020), Woomin Art Center (2019) and SongEun Art Space (2018) and won the Excellent Prize of the 18th SongEun Art Award.