Two local artists are trying to navigate the blurry areas between fantasy and reality with a nature-themed exhibition in Haebangcheon.

The exhibition opens April 2 at 6 p.m. at Gallery Golmo. Jean Rim and Katherine Oh, the artists, will present their “biosphere.” Language is the exhibition’s theme. They’re trying to portray the development of language through time and the evolution of nature, in a controlled environment. Languages evolve like countries, by establishing specific identities and shifting borders. Through plants, they will try and reveal how certain languages disperse from the source.

Rim and Oh met in 1995 at The New School for Design in New York. After venturing into respective corners of the art scene, the two traveled the globe, finally settling in Seoul. The painters-by-trade use the art group COOP Inc. to experiment outside their comfort zones and have fun with different materials.

“One part mirth; one part mischief; one part magic. Shake, Stir and Swirl,” the group said.

During her early school years in Maryland, Katherine Oh doodled in class creating, but flung herself into the art sphere in high school under a professor’s leadership. After investigating prospects, she chose to experience New York City and enrolled in art school. She only became a dedicated artist in the last year.

Favoring acrylic paints over oil for health reasons, she incorporates a mesh of everything into her art. Working with a specifically muted palette in the past, she has broadened her horizons and evolved with more colors. The result is work with a dreamy feel.

Jean Rim grew up in a multicultural atmosphere, experiencing New York during the school year and Korea during summers. A globetrotter after university, she continued producing art throughout her travels. Transferring all her energy into her art, Rim incorporates materials not normally associated with most artists. Using household products from egg yolks to crushed charcoal, she creates a slow, meditative aura of originality. Influenced by numerous travels and experiences, Rim’s current works reveal a fantasy bent.

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To reach Gallery Golmok, go to Noksapyeong station (line 6), exit 3. Cross the street heading toward the main drag, veer left down the alley next to Suji’s Restaurant and Kwon’s Engraving, and proceed to the yellow and pink buildings.

For information on the artists and COOP, go to wearecoop.com. 

By Daniel Joseph Vorderstrasse

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