Old Memories 1, 2023, Drawing on fabric with rice paper, charcoal, dyed cloth, Korean ink, and sewing, 71"×105"

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Art has an extraordinary power to transcend time, to merge the past and the present, and to convey a distinctive lens through which we can ponder on the intricacies of human existence. "Seo Mira: Crossing Over," the latest solo exhibition at Riverside Gallery, is the artist's profound interplay of memory, emotion, and artistic expression. Curated by Dr. Soojung Hyun, this exhibition showcases 25 selected paintings by artist Seo Mira from her most recent work in 2023. It is on display until November 20, 2023.

Her paintings are a reflection of her unique perspective on nature and her inner emotions. The dynamic energy, emotional depth, and psychological empathy are indispensable to her artistic expression. Seo's work is deeply connected to her memories, which she uses to relate to her current experiences in New York. Her paintings serve as a bridge between the past and the present, emotion and reason, and the essence of life and art through her connection with memories and global inspirations. She melds these two seemingly separate realms coherently, allowing viewers to connect with their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through the universal language of visual art. It's a reminder that while reason and emotion may seem worlds apart, they can harmoniously coexist within the realm of art.

Seo Mira's artwork is uniquely enriched by her choice of materials. She incorporates pieces of old Korean paper, threads, and handmade hemp, which add a sense of time to her artwork. These materials hold a special place in her heart, especially the old hemp, which embodies the hardships of the women who meticulously wove it by hand. The artist contemplated how his paintings and drawings could blend with the weaving of an unknown woman from the past across time and the parts that were drawn and those that were not. In Seo Mira's art, these materials are arranged as collages, adding layers of meaning and depth to her pieces.

Seo recently attended classes at The Art Students League, a historic art school in Manhattan, New York. For her, it is not a place of new learning but a place where she enjoys exploring American painting styles and making friends. Regarding her exhibition, the artist said, "It is an expression of the changes that have taken place in the past few years, the work that has been repeating itself, staying and leaving. Through it, I gained a new form and perspective on objects I had communicated with and expressed for a long time. The essence of what one wants to express emerges naturally when it functions as a free form." Nietzsche once said that human life is about transitioning from one stage to another. The new challenge for Seo Mira’s work is the daunting yet adventurous step of learning to cross over from the past to the other side.

Seo Mira was born in Gwangju City, Korea and earned her MFA from Cheonnam National University. She is a practicing painter and has received numerous recognitions for her work. In 2011, she was awarded the Grand Prize of the 13th Shinsegae Art Award, followed by the 12th Oh Jiho Art Award in 2013. Recently, Seo was invited by the "AHL Foundation's program: Art in the Workplace" in collaboration with the Bank of Hope in New York. She was also selected for the Beijing Art Residency organized by the Gwangju Museum of Art. Seo has had solo exhibitions such as "Seep into Jade" at Yangnim Art Museum (2023) and "Trace of Presence and Absence" at the Korean Community Center in N.J. (2022). She regularly exhibits her work in Gwangju, Seoul, Beijing, and New York.

There will be an Opening Reception on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Gallery Hours: 11:00am-7:00pm (Closed on Sunday).

Riverside Gallery, located at 390 Hackensack Avenue in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a 21st century pioneer in bringing talented international artists and exhibiting diverse mediums of art. The Gallery is dedicated to opening a channel for both established and new up-and-coming artists to express their visions, and for clients to experience and appreciate art. Its prestige and reputation stems from special art collections and successful past exhibitions of works by well renowned artists. The Gallery is located at the heart of the art community, only a few minutes from New York City. Artists that have exhibited their work at Riverside Gallery take pride in the fact that their work have been exhibited in a forum that highly values uniqueness, creativity, and talent.