Ninu Nina Artist Interviews

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GaHee Park: Painting the Taboos

In the art world, there are those who tiptoe around the taboo, and then there's GaHee Park—a fearless trailblazer whose brushstrokes dare to explore the forbidden, the sensual, and the downright audacious. Born and raised in a conservative household in Seoul, South Korea, GaHee's journey to artistic liberation has been a colorful mosaic of rebellion, self-discovery, and unapologetic expression.

From her humble beginnings in Seoul to the bustling streets of New York City, GaHee's odyssey has been nothing short of transformative. Armed with a palette of passion and a hunger for artistic freedom, she journeyed across continents to pursue her dreams. But the road to recognition was not without its bumps and detours. As an Asian woman navigating the labyrinth of the American art scene, GaHee often felt the weight of invisibility—the subtle yet pervasive sense of being 'othered' in a society that still grapples with sexism and racism. But rather than succumb to the shadows, GaHee used her art as a beacon—a defiant declaration of her presence, her identity, and her unyielding spirit.

In her bold and provocative works, GaHee challenges societal norms and confronts the viewer with scenes that blur the line between the sensual and the sinister. From three-mouthed lovers entwined in passionate embrace to curious pets peeking through windows, her canvases pulse with a raw, unbridled energy—an exploration of the human experience. Through her art, she dismantles stereotypes, challenges preconceptions, and invites viewers to confront their own biases.

Yet, amidst the controversy and critique, there's an undeniable sense of joy and liberation in GaHee's work—a celebration of the human form in all its beauty and imperfection. From fragmented nude bodies to acts of voyeurism and intimacy, her canvases are a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us on a primal level. So the next time you find yourself face to face with one of GaHee Park's paintings, take a moment to ponder and embrace the beauty of the forbidden.

PERROTIN

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“Drowned Thought” (2023), oil on linen, 90 x 67 inches.

“Half Asleep Night” (2022), oil on canvas, 34 x 41 inches.