Art review by: Oscar A. Laluyan
Aggregate (noun) – a mass or body of units or parts somewhat loosely associated with one another. * The sculptures of Korean artist Kwang Young Chun typifies the definition latter mentioned and the jawdropping selection of it was a feast for all at Hasted Kraeutler. This was their inaugural Fall 2012 exhibition and they have exclusive U.S. representation of this superb artist.
Chun is famous for the Aggregate Series of sculptural pieces featured throughout the space and the sheer scale with closer inspection of details really astounded viewers. His process of composing structures utilizing thousands of small triangles is worth being bowled over as you behold the wall mounted and free standing works. Each triangular piece can be an independent minimalist work on its own but in a clustered volume that it all cohesively gives a visual impact that makes on it more nuanced, textural, and thought provoking. You will see texts coming through the colored triangles as Chun gathers mulberry paper from vintage books of important Korean texts then dyes the papers into varying shades with tea or flowers. The meticulous discipline and patience to build upon each small piece to create a bigger work is a testament to a rich artistry that is born not only of tradition but unabashed gumption. Chun escapes the crafty look of just gluing triangles in mass by a deft execution that comes out effortless and not tortured. Each triangle is positioned side by side in a dynamic composition that is brimming with ebullient energy. A ball of clumped triangles that hangs on a single string but you still consider the mass before you as feeling airborne and randomly scattered triangles beneath it seem to sprout out of the ground organically. There is no doubt that this artist is not a lightweight and he knows how to express layers to provide visual impact with finesse.