Studio Visit: Nari Jo

Nari Jo (*1988, Gimje/South Korea ) works with abstract painting and pictographic representations in her art.

"In my painting, I want to depict wonders that have been forgotten. I see the preservation and condensation of childlike curiosity and the search for a primitive and at the same time spiritual aesthetic as the core concerns of my work as a painter." 

In the run-up to the exhibition NOW. HERE. CONTEMPORARY. at ARTES Berlin with works by Nari Jo as well as Ruri Matsumoto, Thomas Röthel and Hannes Uhlenhaut, we asked the artist a few questions about her work:

What do you see when you look at your own work?

Looking at my work, I get to know myself better and better. The version of myself that I aspire to be. Sometimes I also feel healed by this simple but powerful urge for happiness.

I still think I don't know myself well. It could be that fear of recognizing myself has held me back.

By reflecting on my image, I see myself and find in it the fears and insecurities of all adults living as children and the hope that everything will be okay.

Do you (often) think about your works that have found new owners? What relationship do you have with the buyers?

I know all my works that have found a new owner and even think about them sometimes in everyday life. Since my paintings represent a part of me, I often think about them. In some cases, I have personally contacted buyers and had long conversations to build friendships.

It has been a very rewarding and heart-warming experience that it is not just about selling or buying, but that people are curious about me and show interest. It remains an incredibly empowering and moving experience for me that they support my future and continue to watch me.

ARTES Berlin shows in the exhibition NOW. HERE. CONTEMPORARY. works by Nari Jo together with works by Ruri Matsumoto, Thomas Röthel and Hannes Uhlenhaut
OPENING: Saturday, February 3, 2024, 6 - 8 pm at ARTES Berlin

MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

MORE WORKS BY NARI JO AT ARTES