Vision is About Believing. Kang uses pop-art as her artistic expression of her personal life journey and her religious experiences. By omitting traditional symbols, she invites viewers to engage with the artworks from their own unique perspective.
Porter Contemporary is pleased to announce Vision Is About Believing, a solo exhibition of paintings and mixed media by Jihay Kang from November 29 through January 5, 2013 with an opening reception with the artist on November 29th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Kang uses pop-art as her artistic expression of her personal life journey and her religious experiences. By omitting traditional symbols, she invites viewers to engage with the artworks from their own unique perspective.
This is Kang's first solo exhibition in the U.S. after returning to her native Korea two years ago. Prior representations of her work have focused on being a foreigner in the U.S. Her return to Korea has allowed for a return to her roots and beliefs. Highlights from the exhibition include Dream-fly, pictured above left, a colorful mixed media work with butterflies symbolizing the cycle of life. "I search for answers to my religious inquiries through my artistic endeavors. Perhaps, the viewer will find that my ambivalent response to my own religious upbringing is rendered in the overlap of various color and elements in my works," says Jihay Kang.
Blue Eyes, pictured right, is another striking example of Kang's colorful works. "Kang's works are large, dynamic compositions that reflect one's joyful yet painstaking spiritual journey," says Jessica L. Porter, Founder and Director of Porter Contemporary.
About Jihay Kang:
Born in 1982 in South Korea, Jihay Kang now lives and works in Seoul. She combines iconic images and bright colors to create a superficial advertisement for the enjoyment of the viewer, but with religious undertones. She hopes to invite a broader range of public viewers to engage themselves in her works. Often we find the real Jihay Kang hidden in the imagery of the works. She has a BFA from Kyonggi University and a MFA from Long Island University. She has exhibited regularly in the US and Korea and was selected to be in the Final 2011 Charlatan Ink Art Prize Competition.
About Porter Contemporary:
Launched in 2006, Porter Contemporary is dedicated to showcasing emerging and established artists from around the world whose work embodies both skill and risk taking. The mission of Porter Contemporary continues to be based on founder Jessica L. Porter's vision of opening contemporary art collecting to a broader audience. Over the past five years, the gallery has earned a dedicated following of new and established collectors who value art that pushes boundaries.
In addition to presenting many distinctive exhibitions throughout the year, Porter Contemporary also provides art consultation services, collection management and artwork installation.
Press Inquires: media@portercontemporary.com
Press Preview: November 29, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Opening Reception with the Artist:Nov 29, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Porter Contemporary
548 West 28th Street, New York
Gallery Hours: Tues & Wed by appointment; Thurs 11 - 8 PM; Fri & Sat 11 - 6 PM
Admission free