Seon-hwa Jo

Seon-hwa Jo is an artist whose practice, grounded in painting, reflects on the relationship between humans and nature. she explores a world of coexistence and circulation where nature neither overwhelms humans nor is dominated by them, delving into the theme of the “sharing of life force.” Her canvases, completed through a process of repetitive labor and contemplation, reveal the intersection of materiality and spirituality. For Seon-hwa Jo, painting is not merely a space to depict charming or affectionate scenes, but a realm in which the grandeur of life-bearing nature, human dignity, and the respect that blossoms between them are investigated. The ridgelines, blooming scallion flowers, and drifting figures that fill his canvases do not seek to intrude upon or dominate nature; instead, they coexist as small beings within its order, prompting viewers to reconsider the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Gallery SoSo presented her first solo exhibition, 《Standing Outside》 in 2013, and in 2025 highlighted her artistic world once again through 《Arising Thoughts》. These two exhibitions offered fresh perspectives on the bond between humans and nature, while also expanding the language of traditional painting into contemporary contexts, introducing audiences to the depth of her art. With her participation in Art Jakarta marking her debut in an international art fair, Seon-hwa Jo’s future practice is greatly anticipated.