July 3rd-8th, 2017

Opening Reception: July 3rd, 6-8 p.m.

The Riverside Gallery is pleased to present Vitality, the 19th solo exhibition of South Korean artist Hyo Sook Suh. The show begins with an opening reception on July 3rd, 2017, 6 to 8 p.m. and is on view until July 8th. Hyo Sook Suh incorporates elements of nature, specifically plant-life in her work. Her objective is to not solely illustrate their aesthetics, but as the title of the exhibition indicates, to accentuate the vitality that is inside them as real, living organisms. Suh particularly portrays the plants to be static; she communicates the concept of vitality through depicting other sources of nature like light, and also by exploring the composition. Suh’s earlier works involved magnifying her subjects to capture certain details, like the intricate movements created by the folds of the petals. However, with her most recent works, Suh boldly divides the surface of the canvas into two separate planes to create different perspectives of the plant to coexist within a single space. From the use of light, structure and bold colors to the use of delicate line work, Hyo Sook Suh reminds the viewers of the fervent energy that exists within even the most overlooked forms of life. Her work confronts the viewers to once again be aware of the environment that surrounds them and to constantly question the existence of life.

Hyo Sook Suh was born in Seoul, South Korea. She received both her B.F.A. in 1985 and M.F.A. in 1988 at the Seoul National University. She has exhibited her work through many solo and group shows throughout South Korea and abroad including China and New York, as well as having participated in art fairs such as the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF) and Art Asia Miami. Her works are also a part of the permanent collection at The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul. She is also currently a professor at Cheongju University.