Hwang Wonhae

b. South Korea

Hwang Wonhae’s paintings are influenced by the urban landscape, especially the various forms of Korean architecture where the tradition and contemporary merge. Her works present a combination of architectural elements from traditional Korean style establishments such as the palace, temple, and the traditional house called ‘hanok’, as well as the contemporary architectural aspects distinctive in the skyscrapers. The heterogeneous elements collide, engendering exceptional views and a dynamic coexistence. The artist comes up with surreal landscapes by reassembling the remnant debris from the dark side of the urban development, crossing the gap between a traditional and contemporary, and the past and present.