Fantasy and Fusion

Korean contemporary artist Whee is set to unveil her new painting series in her first solo exhibition in the Philippines.

By Art+ Magazine
Photography Kim Albalate
November 15, 2023

Whee at her studio in Manila

This is an excerpt from Art+ Magazine Issue 87. To read the full story, get the latest issue available on collectibles by artplus, Shopee, and on select stores of National Bookstore and Fully Booked.

Fantasy serves as the central theme that unites the two series, to be showcased in Whee’s upcoming exhibition. The Fanta_collage paintings create narrative and fantasy by appropriating images, while the Fanta_nature paintings delve into the abyss of nature to create a different kind of fantasy. 

The artist is gearing up for her first solo exhibition overseas, in the Philippines, with DF Art Agency. The exhibition is set to take place on November 16th at Leon Gallery. It’s a significant moment in her career, and she is excited to showcase her work to a broader audience. 

Print media, particularly magazines, played a significant role in shaping Whee’s creative process. “From flipping through magazines, as if the images are wired to trigger certain memories and ideas, I get many inspirations directly and indirectly in my work,” she reveals.

Additionally, her immersion in the lush and vibrant tropical nature of the Philippines has been a rich source of inspiration. Since her marriage to her Filipino Canadian husband, Whee has been based in both Seoul and Manila.

The theme of fantasy acts as the glue that binds the two series together. With most of Whee’s works making their debut, she hopes to inspire her audience to see the world through the eyes of an artist and to find a personal connection with her art, opening doors to new interpretations of the world.

Photo by Kim Albalate (1 of 3)

Photo by Kim Albalate (2 of 3)

Photo by Kim Albalate (3 of 3)