2GIL29 GALLERY is pleased to announce the Solo Exhibition 《 What should we do?》 by Qwaya (b. 1991), which will take place from February 3rd to February 24th, 2024. Qwaya captures the intricacies of daily life through his artwork, portraying nuanced narratives, anxieties, and the ebb and flow of the world that allow observers to constantly feel them on a personal level. The exhibition reveals Qwaya‘s heightened mastery of color, realistic depictions, and refined compositional structures, which transports his depictions beyond the mere documentation of fleeting moments and weaves the artists personal contemplations of the direction of life into them. As such, Qwaya explores societal anxieties and contradictions often overlooked in the daily hustle of everyday life.

​

Qwaya's disquieting narratives skillfully unveil the intrinsic human essence and inherently flawed markers of human nature, embedding usually uncomfortable narratives into his works with a sense of humor, helping us discover novelty and unfamiliarity within the seemingly mundaneness of repetitive daily contemplation. Upon closer inspection of his works, this spatiotemporal realm of contemplation is further shaped by a surreal and dreamy atmosphere created though the artists arrangement of space on the canvas, the unique gaze of the characters, the direction we as viewers position ourselves in when observing the artwork, and the use of color. Qwaya's artworks provide a delightful perspective through his unique artistic expression and invite viewers to observe and engage with the artist's daily life, shedding light on the world he envisions and aspires to live in. Ultimately, his works leads us to reflect on the changes in the world around us and in our interpersonal relation to others, guiding us in reconsidering the value of life once more.

 

Our lives often tend to become mundane easily, whether it be due to personal reasons, societal roles and norms, or the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, amidst all this, we can undeniably find a universal beauty, a sense of undeniable meaning. To recognize it, all we need is moments of tranquility during which we can slow down, take a step back and contemplate the ourselves and the world that surrounds us. The current exhibition titled "What should we do?" seeks to provide an opportunity to revisit the essence of human life and its seemingly mundane markers, suggesting that they might embody a beauty we tend to overlook as we get caught up in the rapidly changing social environments around us. Returning to the stage at 2GIL29 GALLERY in 2024 after successful exhibitions in 2020 and 2022, Qwaya continues to share his compelling stories through the language of art.

 

​

​

Artist Bio
Qwaya (born 1991) is a prominent artist in the South Korean art scene known for his themes of contemplation and nighttime pondering. After obtaining a degree in Fashion and Design from Sangmyung University, he quickly garnered positive responses with his distinctive worldview. In 2019, he firstly received widespread recognition for his creation of  the album cover "Legend" , the second album of well-known Korean music group Jannabi. Subsequently, in 2020, he made his debut in the Korean art scene by holding his first solo exhibition at the Lee Gil-igu Gallery. Engaging in collaborative projects with major corporations and contributing to various album artworks, Qwaya skillfully walks the line between commercial and fine art, continually showcasing a diverse spectrum of artistic activities. In 2022, he co-curated an exhibition alongside singer Choi Baek-ho, offering once again a glimpse into his  multifacetedness. The name "Qwaya" itself encapsulates his creative approach, combining the concept of staying up through the night ('과야' or '過夜') with the initials 'Q' representing 'Quiet' and 'Quest'. This nomenclature reflects the meaning of a silent and quest-filled night. Qwaya, respected for his courage in forging his own artistic path despite being  initially completely unknown, now concentrates on producing works around themes of contemplation and introspection, serving  as poignant records of the hidden gems of daily life -the subtle but meaningful emotions we can experience in the mundanity of the daily. Qwaya's intuitive use of a multitude of vivid colors has captivated many, explaining his engaged and ever-growing audience. Actively participating in solo exhibitions and curated shows, Qwaya continually blesses us with his vibrant presence in the art world. The ways in which he intuitively presents his distinct styles have already left a permanent mark on the landscape of Korean contemporary art.

 

 

​