Works by Korean and American Artists Converge at SoLA

South LA Contemporary, or SoLA, will feature two exhibitions, Saturation and Pandemic Winter, which begin simultaneously on Dec. 12.

Saturation exhibits work by six American artists and 21 artists from the Korean Painting Association, working simultaneously in studios on opposite sides of the world, utilizing traditional Korean pigments and brushes. There will also be an artist talk on Zoom with the date to be announced.

While SoLA could not meet with the artists in person and experience the intersection of Korean and American cultures, it has made the best of the challenges this pandemic brings and its effects on travel and shared physical experiences. As the gallery has received and exhibits the art works of both Korean and American artists, it has found ways to continue building these cultures together.   

Before the pandemic, Korean American artist and SoLA board member, Won Sil Kim and Korean artist, Moonkyung Jung, proposed this exhibition. Their intention was to provide workshops and demonstrations using traditional Korean pigments, brushes and paper. Pieces from these workshops would then be shown alongside each other.

Travel restrictions and lockdowns prevented the Korean artists from travelling to the US, so instead, Jung shipped supplies to SoLA. Then with help from Kim, a group of six American artists learned how to use these materials to create art works for Saturation. Works from the Korean participants in this project will be shipped to Los Angeles to be shown alongside the American works. A catalog will be produced and available online, along with select original pieces.

Pandemic Winter is SoLA’s annual fundraiser with original art works priced to sell at $100 each; proceeds will benefit SoLA’s ongoing community programs. The silent auction of small works will take place physically in the gallery, Dec. 12 to 19 and extend online until Dec. 26.

Saturation

Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 to 19

Details: RSVP to info@SoLAcontemporary.org, online auction at www.solacontemporary.org

Venue: SoLA Contemporary Gallery, 3718 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles

Pandemic Winter

Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 to 26

Details: RSVP to info@SoLAcontemporary.org, online auction at www.solacontemporary.org

Venue: SoLA Contemporary Gallery, 3718 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles