Tang Contemporary Art is honored to announce the opening of Emerging artist Gongkan’s solo exhibition at our Seoul gallery space on June 10th, 2023. This will be his third collaboration with Tang Contemporary Art after “Introspection” (Bangkok) and “Gongkan: Inner Place” (Beijing). This exhibition will display Gongkans’s new series with frame on canvas.
Gong Kan's paintings often feature ordinary people going about their daily lives, but they are rendered in a way that imbues them with a sense of mystery and beauty. And in his first Seoul exhibition “Public but Private”, he explores his own life and thoughts through his art.
This exhibition is a deeply personal and introspective exploration of the emotions and experiences surrounding depression and anxiety. Through a stunning collection of acrylic paintings and bas-relief sculptures, the artist invites viewers on a journey through the often-overlooked moments of sadness and despair that we all experience.
The theme of "Public but Private" speaks to the idea that society often discourages individuals from expressing their innermost feelings, particularly those that are considered weak or vulnerable. In a world where social media is dominated by images of happiness and success, it can be difficult for individuals to find a space where they can truly express their pain and sorrow. The artist has bravely confronted this cultural taboo and created a body of work that is both honest and unflinching in its portrayal of the struggles faced by those with depression and anxiety.
One of the most striking elements of the exhibition is the use of surreal and fantastical imagery to convey the complex emotions that the artist seeks to explore. The paintings and sculptures are filled with intricate detailscand vivid colors that draw the viewer in and encourage them to engage with the work on a deeper level. Through this creative approach, the artist is able to capture the essence of the human experience in a way that is both relatable and deeply moving.
Sincere Expression is an important component of the exhibition. The artist offers a safe space in his painting where viewers can connect with their emotions and find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. He has created a space where individuals can express their true feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. This is a powerful reminder that, despite the societal pressure to maintain a façade of perfection, it is okay to be vulnerable and imperfect.
The artist's personal experiences are a key element of the exhibition, and it is through this intimate lens that the work truly comes to life. By revealing the secrets and agony from inside, the artist has created a powerful and poignant body of work that speaks to the struggles faced by so many individuals. Through the creation of this exhibition, the artist has found a way to heal their own mental wounds, while also offering a source of comfort and inspiration to others.
"Public but Private" is a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition that speaks to the complexity of the human experience.Through the use of stunning visual imagery and an unflinching portrayal of the emotions surrounding depression and anxiety, the artist has created a space where individuals can find solace and inspiration. He invites everyone to join on this emotional journey and discover the power of embracing your true self.
Artist
Gongkan
b. 1989, Thailand
Graduated from Kasetsart University Laboratory School in 2007 and from Silpakorn University, Faculty of Decorative Arts, in 2011, Kantapon Metheekul, better known as Gongkan, currently works and resides in Bangkok, Thailand. After graduating from Silpakorn University, the artist moved to New York City to start a fine arts continuing education at SVA, where he spent 3 years working in creative departments of advertising agencies. In his spare time, he created street art and illustrations centered on the idea of him being transported through time and space to his homeland. His work, which he named “Teleport Art”, gained notoriety in the New York street art scene and later in Bangkok. The element of time is a predominant concept in Gongkan’s paintings: surrealistic canvas, populated by human figures, realized with graphic flat strokes. Through presenting different visions of the present times or rewriting the past, the artist creates alternate realities in the process.
His selected and recent solo exhibitions include “Inner Place” Tang Contemporary Art, Beijing (China, 2022);, “Gongkan: For someone who hate the Rainbow”, Over the Influence, Paris (France, 2022); “Introspection”, Tang Contemporary Art, Bangkok (Thailand, 2021); “Tip of the Iceberg”, Over the Influence, Los Angeles (US, 2021); “Yestertedaytomorrow”, River City Bangkok, Bangkok (Thailand, 2019), etc. Selected group exhibitions include: “Inquiry to the wall: International Young Artist Invitational Exhibition” , Soul Art Center, Beijing (China, 2023); “Post-me Generation: How to write about young artists”, Tang Contemporary Art, Beijing (China, 2022); “Group show: Falling”, Tang Contemporary Art, Beijing (China, 2022); “Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021”, Macao Museum of Art (Macao, 2021); “Retrospective Utopia”, Tang Contemporary Art, Bangkok (Thailand, 2020), etc.