WINNER's Mino to further explore identity as painter at his first solo exhibition

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Sat, September 23, 2023 | 21:23

Theater & Others

WINNER's Mino to further explore identity as painter at his first solo exhibition

Posted : 2022-11-19 08:12

Updated : 2022-11-23 13:20

Ohnim's "Giraffe in My Eyes 1" (2022) / Courtesy of the artist, StART.art Korea

By Park Han-sol

Since making his initial foray into the fine arts scene in 2019, Mino of K-pop boy band WINNER has been exploring his dual creative identity as a rapper-producer and painter.

At the end of this year, he is set to further show his newfound artistic side to audiences under the alias Ohnim ― his first name, Min-ho, spelled backward ― by holding his first solo exhibition at the StART PLUS in Seongdong District, eastern Seoul.

The "Thanking You ― Ohnim Solo Exhibition," hosted by StART.art Korea, plans to present some 20 oil and acrylic paintings created at the hands of the K-pop musician-cum-artist.

As Ohnim, he has previously participated in a handful of group shows, including "Special Exhibition for Emerging Artists" (SEEA) in 2019 and "Korean Eye 2020: Creativity and Daydream" in 2021, in addition to regularly unveiling his pieces for his 6.3 million followers on Instagram.

The 29-year-old painter was one of the main creators that opened this year's StART Art Fair held at Saatchi Gallery in London from Oct. 12 to 16, where he was awarded the Visual and Culture Global Eye Award 2021.

Ohnim's "HOPE?" (2022) / Courtesy of the artist, StART.art Korea

Ohnim's continued attempts to capture the layers of mixed emotions on canvas through bold color blocks and shapes will be made evident at the upcoming exhibition, according to StART.art Korea.

One of his latest series on display will center on the recurring subject matter of the giraffe. The long-necked creature has become a new visual icon that symbolizes the artist's worldview as well as his love for his staunch supporters.

The show is set to be divided into three themes: emotional growth, self-awakening and lastly, harmony and hope.

"I tried to express a wide range of my emotions by projecting myself onto the canvas," the artist said in a statement. "It's my first-ever solo show that lays bare the artistic universe conceived from the moment I made my debut as a painter till now. It also signifies new beginnings, a new chapter (of my creative life)."

Ohnim is one of several entertainers in Korea who has managed to dip their toes in the fine arts sector outside of show business. Other performers who have gained certain recognition in the field include singer Solbi and actors Ha Jung-woo and Park Ki-woong.

"Thanking You" will run from Dec. 16 to Jan. 15, 2023, at the StART PLUS.

hansolp@koreatimes.co.kr