FAR EAST DUET

An exhibition by Han Yajuan and Jiwon (Irene) Hwang at the ACAF project space in Prahran, Melbourne.
3rd August - 11th September, 2013

The Australia China Art Foundation is pleased to present a FAR EAST DUET, an exhibition by Han Yajuan and Jiwon (Irene) Hwang at the ACAF project space in Prahran, Melbourne.

The exhibition is comprised of 2 video art works by Chinese artist Han Yajuan and approximately 10 works by Melbourne-based Korean artist Jiwon (Irene) Hwang. Their works illustrate the diversity of “The Far East” as Yajuan and Hwang, who were born in the same year but with vastly different upbringings and influences, cover the common theme of obsession with fun and playfulness, but with different perspectives and different styles.

Material Girl

Han Yajuan is from the latest generation of phenomenally talented artists to emerge from the contemporary Chinese art scene. Her works have clear and occasionally ironic references to pop and ultra-contemporary culture.

Japanese animation and comics, Anime and Manga, are two important influences among the younger generation of contemporary Chinese artists and Han Yajuan borrows from the techniques of these art forms to get her message across.

The mainly female subjects in Yajuan’s works, whirl and dance, flying through the air in strong, contrasting colours; indifferent and ironical figures in a harsh, cold world that is wrought with consumerism.

Painful but Playful

Jiwon (Irene) HWANG is a Melbourne-based Korean artist who grew up in Australia. Hwang has been influenced by the minimalist art movement and also by Korean traditional folk painting, Minhwa, where animals, nature and humans are central ideas.
Although her work seems playful, Hwang has actually had a difficult experience pursuing art, with her bright, playful works being the product of an obsession with self-obliteration.

Hwang’s works are disarmingly simple in their elemental creation; however, they are all connected by what the artist refers to as “chains of playing”. These chains are simple, positive ideas common between the works that develop these individual works into larger concepts when grouped together.

For further information and a media pack please contact:
Ms Jeongho Lee on 61 488 012 634 , jeongho@acaf.org.au

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