Up-and-coming Indonesian artist Christine Tjoe is showcasing religion-motivated works in Korea.
Tjoe has been carving out an international presence with her intense colors and brushstrokes, with nearly 100 exhibitions in Asia since debuting in 1999.
The exhibition, “Perfect Imperfection,” at the SongEun Art Space gallery in Seoul from April 28-June 20, displays some 50 paintings, sculptures and installation art pieces.
(from left) Artist Christine Tjoe and curator Jasmine Prasetio speak to journalists at the exhibition, “Perfect Imperfection,” at the SongEun Art Space gallery in Seoul on Tuesday.
Tjoe has used diverse methods, such as acrylic, oil painting, etching, sculpture and installation, to express inner emotions in her work. She won the painting section of the Prudential Eye Award 2015, which is given to Asian contemporary artists.
Although her works are abstract and may be difficult to understand, ample explanation is provided. She is one of the few woman painters from Indonesia, where men dominate the art scene.
“In Muslim-dominated Indonesia, I use art as a tool to express the relationship between humans and god as a Christian minority,” Tjoe told Korean journalists at the opening reception on Tuesday. “From about 10 years ago, contemporary Indonesian art has broken uncharted territory overseas.”
The event is curated by Jasmine Prasetio, the country manager of Sotheby’s Indonesia, which brokers fine and decorative art, jewelry, real estate and collectibles. Prasetio has created a platform that connects artists and buyers at painting auctions in Southeast Asia.
The event was organized by the SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation, which was founded by the energy company Samtan Corporation in 1989. The corporation operates business in bituminous coalmining and natural resource extraction worldwide.
The gallery in Chungdam-dong in southern Seoul annually invites rising talents from Korea and around the world who are unknown to the general public. It supports artists with programs and space to exhibit their works, and hosts various awards each year.
By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)