The Able Fine Art Gallery in Chelsea has announced a collection of acrylic and mixed media prints by Korean pop artist Sujin Lim for an exhibition titled Childlike Innocence. In these works, Lim’s subjects are caricatures of young children and baby animals portrayed in colorful accessories such as hair ribbons and bows to show innocence and simplicity.
However, there is a deeper and more emotional theme running through these works which Lim conveys by adding images of flames and teardrops to the faces and heads of these sweet characters. She evokes feelings of sensitivity and sophistication by portraying these children and animals who have fears and worry of the unknown that lies ahead as they grow older, as they hold on to carefree days of their youth. The tears and flames are used to reveal the fact that even the young can have strong feelings and fears even though their lives are seemingly simple.
One intriguing and heart-rending work in this show is Dream of Tear. This mixed media on canvas painting depicts a young girl of about four of five year old standing in the middle of a forest and crying while images of tiny bowties, flowers, butterflies, and several small animals can be seen floating through her mind as two smoky flames rise from her reddish-orange hair.
Lim has cited Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara as an important influence and both artists could be successful animators.
At The Able Fine Art Gallery, 511 W. 25th St., through Feb. 12. The gallery is open from Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. There will be an opening reception at the gallery Thursday, Jan. 31st, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Comments