Pop artist Sambypen asks what 'fine art' truly is

Stepping into a white cube, one may expect to encounter “fine art,” commonly thought to be an aesthetic and intellectual artistic creation, but PKM Gallery in Seoul is challenging the perception in collaboration with pop artist Sambypen.

The word “fake” is emblazoned on paintings taken from the artist’s street graffiti practice, triggering viewers to ask, "What truly is art?"

The 33-year-old’s new painting series “Wall” is part of his solo exhibition at PKM Gallery in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. The paintings were completed through layers of spraying, painting, sanding and redrawing, resulting in textured surfaces that evoke the weathered facade of city walls.

Sambypen gained notoriety 10 year ago with a satirized Michelin mascot, leading to collaborations with major brands such as Nike, Porsche and Adobe.

“Collaborating with the artist is part of the gallery’s attempts to accept diverse art. His works pose a blunt question — ‘is fine art truly pure?’ — to the conventional art scene,” said Jang Ye-ran, the gallery’s exhibition team manager, when asked about the 35-year-old gallery’s signing with the young and innovative artist.

The exhibition is titled “Lazy."

The artist examines “laziness,” or rather the psychological fatigue he believes to be prevalent among young people in contemporary society as they attempt to keep up with the fast-changing digital environment and flood of short-form content, according to the gallery.

Another series shown at the exhibition is of sculptural paintings — produced through a layered process of pen drawing, digital graphics, wood cut by automated machining and brushwork. The character “Bomb!” personifies the uncomfortable feeling of fear and helplessness the artist feels when overwhelmed by the need to keep up with the latest trend or complete tasks before him that he has already repeatedly postponed.

The sculptural paintings may look familiar to visitors, as the artist illustrates scenes and characters from the works of Edward Hopper and Edouard Manet, as well as animated characters from" The Simpsons," "Pokemon" and Casper the Friendly Ghost.

A variety of goods that feature the artist's works are on display on the upper floor for sale.

The exhibition, running through May 17, coincides with the 10th anniversary of the artist's debut.