A Square Is Not A Square 1, Sumi ink on mulberry paper, 8”x 46 x 28”

Introducing Seongmin Ahn, a Korean artist working in Queens. I thought Maxwell, our resident "one-drawing-a-day" artist would appreciate these shapes, their scale, and how they are created with layers and layers of ink, following and repeating the shape like a form of meditation.

But as the title indicates... a square is not always a square... see the surprise below!

Another view of "A square is not a square"

In these, from her Meditation series,Seongmin Ahn folds rice paper into geometric patterns, which mimic the rhythm of each breath during meditation; she then dyes the creased paper by repeatedly spraying or dipping it in ink.

Beyond – Dark, Hole 2 (view from right), sumi ink on mulberry paper, 72”x48”x144”

Beyond – Dark, Hole 2 (view from front)

And these installations are fantastic in how they generate a sense of bright light beyond the space.

Beyond 1 & 2 Installation of Watercolor on Mulberry Paper

Another shape that changes with your perspective.

A Circle Is Not A Circle 4-1, Sumi ink on mulberry paper, 47.5”x47.5”x47.5”, 2006

font size=1>A Circle Is Not A Circle 4-1, view 2

All of this work represents her efforts to transcend and transform her experience with chronic pain through meditation. Below she continues to explore this meditative process by weaving strips of burnt mulberry paper dyed with Asian herbs, which she has used as medicine.

Weaving Pain, Burnt, woven mulberry paper, 2003, 11”x11”

Weaving Pain, Dyed and woven mulberry paper, 2002, 19”x19”

Weaving Pain, Burnt, woven mulberry paper, 2003, 30”x19”

Inquiries about the works featured here? You can find Ahn;s contact info at this website.

Know any artists whose work would make a home a lovelier place? Send ideas to The Gallery. Thanks!