S O F T A W A K E N I N G S

Solo Exhibition at Le sentiment des choses in 2022

3 rue Debelleyme, Paris, France

“Soft Awakenings”, her first solo show in Paris, France contains works that stem from Korean traditions, especially that of Buddhism (Seonbulgyo), Dalhangari (Moon Jars  from Joseon dynasty, 1392–1910), and Dansaekhwa (Korean art movement from the 1970s).  The desire to be one with nature and the belief that true freedom lies within one’s own mind formed the foundation of many traditional Korean arts. “The iconic Moon Jar represents evolution, acceptance and letting go of the duality - it’s neither perfect or imperfect. It is complete as it is.  Moon Clouds vessels are homage to such philosophy — I try not to be attached to an idealized form but rather focus on reinterpreting the spirit with subtlety and respect.  The act of making that is repetitive, quiet and slow is the embodiment of “emptying the mind” so that the artist and the viewer can perceive with clarity.  I see the final form as a meditative space where one is invited to pause and contemplate.” says Hur. 

Hur further develops this theme through the Seon painting series, which is derived from her own experience as a practitioner of Korean Zen Buddhism (Seonbulgyo). The emptiness of the works refer to the mediations that filter out the preconceived ideas about the world and open up to the original self. “For me, the line (horizon or vertical) in the series offers that space where peace and strength arise from the soft and malleable parts of us.” says Hur. The softness is also conveyed through the tactility of Hanji (Korean mulberry paper) — it can be seen differently depending on the environment where the work dwells and one’s ever evolving self. Hur’s work is a place of rest and awakening of both the familiar and unfamiliar parts of ourselves — leading us to seek the values and truths that matter to each of us.