C.P.S (Complex Seoul): A New Wave of Korean Art at YUGEN Gallery Fukuoka

C.P.S (Complex Seoul): A New Wave of Korean Art

YUGEN Gallery Fukuoka, located at Daimyo 2-1-4, Stage 1, Nishidori 4F, will host a dynamic group exhibition titled COMPLEX from June 12 to June 26, 2025. This exhibition features the collective C.P.S (Complex Seoul), a talented group of artists making significant waves in the contemporary art scene in South Korea. Following its Fukuoka debut, the exhibition will travel to YUGEN Gallery in Minami Aoyama, Tokyo, from July 4 to July 21, 2025.

The participating artists include five contemporaries: 275C (Ichiro.C), Kim Dong-ho, Lee Dong Hoon, Joo Jaebum, and Seol Dongju, each bringing their unique influences and perspectives to the gallery’s space. The exhibition is curated by the Fukuoka-based gallery other, which has been pivotal in promoting cross-genre art exhibitions since 2021.

The theme of COMPLEX emerges from reflections on the city of Fukuoka and the complexities of modern life, particularly focusing on the interplay of emotions and social contexts. This exhibition builds on the success of last September's group display, Complex Fukuoka, which explored the individuality of this vibrant city. The term complex, often associated with feelings of inferiority, serves as a conceptual framework for the artworks displayed. The installation comprises paintings, sculptures, graphic art, and video works that invite audience engagement with layered emotional narratives.

Notable within the exhibition, 275C (Ichiro.C) brings humor and wit through works that juxtapose order with variations in presentation. His colorful, pop-art-inspired sensibilities engage with themes of personal taste. Utilizing various media, including painting, sculpture, graphic design, and video, 275C also collaborates with brands, expanding creative frontiers.

Kim Dong-ho's work explores everyday scenes infused with whimsical characters and stories, blending reality with imaginative elements. His art often commentates on society’s idiosyncrasies while expressing warmth and human experience.

Lee Dong Hoon focuses on urban daily lives, drawing inspiration from souvenirs through his graphic design ventures. He emphasizes playfulness using sticker formats, creating an accessible and engaging artistic experience.

Joo Jaebum expresses emotions and forms through pixelation, transforming simple units into profound visual narratives. This innovative approach captures the essence of contemporary digital life, resonating with today’s audience.

Seol Dongju documents overlooked urban landscapes, keenly observing and depicting their humor and oddities through pen drawings and photography to reveal underlying stories of city life.

YUGEN Gallery has established itself as a vital contemporary art venue through its dual platforms in Tokyo and Fukuoka and its online galleries. The gallery actively engages in promoting and selling contemporary Japanese art globally, and plans to offer multilingual support to reach wider audiences. Focusing on the introduction of regional artists to a broader context provides a unique perspective on the cultural dialogues relevant today.

The exhibition's opening hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with extended hours until 5:00 PM on the last day. Admission is free, making it accessible for all art enthusiasts to experience these groundbreaking works.

For further details about this exhibition and future events, please refer to the official YUGEN Gallery website at YUGEN Gallery Exhibition. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the evolving landscape of Korean art with C.P.S at YUGEN Gallery Fukuoka.