A face can reveal what lies in the heart and mind. In Kappao’s artworks of faces, you’ll find

smiles, tears, joy, and sadness–and even the more complicated feelings within. At first glance,

they appear as cute and playful as characters from a fairy tale, but look again and you may

notice a quiet trace of loneliness or solitude.

With bright colors and simple shapes, the artist creates a cheerful, optimistic world, while

quietly weaving in traces of isolation and sorrow. The contrast of dark and light colors reminds

us that our emotions are never only happy or only sad.

The artist put it this way: “Even if it looks cheerful, it doesn’t mean there’s no unease; even if

it looks happy, it simply means it isn’t unhappy.” The faces in these works reveal our hearts in

those in-between moments. In these works, people stand close together yet remain slightly

apart—lonely, yet longing to connect. Through this, the artist shows both the closeness and

the awkwardness between people at the same time.

This exhibition invites you to reflect on your own feelings and let passing emotions opens up

as you look at the faces in the art. What are you feeling as you view the exhibition?
 

* Kappao

Brera National Academy, Italy

Kappao (Ko Myung-shin) is a contemporary Korean artist who has developed a distinctive practice across painting, sculpture, ceramics, wood, and other media.