Image Mindscape-23062023-(A-work-towards-incomplete-미완성을-향하는-일), 2023
BBA Online Exhibitions
To Live Like the Way I Paint
11.03 - 15.04
By Juheon Cho
BBA Prizes presents the first online exhibition in collaboration with visual artist Juheon Cho: “To Live Like the Way I Paint”. From the series ‘@project.dear.diary’ and ‘Mindscapes’, Cho’s vivid, densely populated landscape paintings and drawings explore the notion of being an ‘Auslander’ in Berlin. Cho was awarded 3rd Prize at the 2022 BBA Artist Prize.
An introspective journey into the world of Juheon Cho, “To Live Like the Way I Paint” is titled after one of her poignant drawings, who’s life and work are inextricably intertwined. Originally from Korea, Cho explores identity, belonging and the experience of living between cultures. Her work embarks on a quest for self understanding and acceptance, while being in constant conversation with her roots.
Her creative process begins with an intimate project, ‘@project.dear.diary’, which captures the artist’s fleeting sensations and emotions. The drawing forms the foundations for her ‘Mindscape’ paintings, where narratives are transformed into landscapes of the mind. This transformation from drawing to painting is direct to Cho’s exploration of identity and commodification of personal narratives, inspired by William Morris and the challenges of artistic labour in today’s capital driven world.
The exhibition introduces ‘A Work Towards Incomplete’, a series that explores the relationship between artistic creation, identity and the allure of unfinished endeavours. Through this work, Cho addressed the erosion of the artist’s presence in the finished work, instead maintaining a connection through the deliberate state of incompletion. This approach not only preserves the artist’s presence but also invites the audience to engage in co-creation of the works.
Central to Cho’s artistic journey is her use of traditional Korean materials, such as Hanji paper and Korean pigments. These materials not only connect her to her cultural heritage but also enrich her artistic process, allowing for the creation of textured, multi-layered works that are vibrant and deeply meaningful. The labour-intensive process of applying colours multiple times to achieve the desired effect mirrors the artist's dedication to her craft and the deep-seeded connection to her roots.
Cho says, ‘“To Live Like the Way I Paint” is more than an exhibition, it is a testament to the power of art to bridge cultural divides, explore the depths of personal identity and foster community through shared experiences.’ Through the work, viewers are invited to reflect on the complexities of human experience, the beauty of artistic expression, and the enduring quest for understanding and connection in an ever-changing world.
Image My-world-is-as-colourful-as-yours-detail, 2023
Image Seed-of-potential_-The-expectations-towards-Berlin-summer-detail, 2023
Image Rainy-summer_-Memories-with-you-Detail01, 2023