Joy Machine Gallery is currently hosting a captivating exhibition titled "The Peace of Wild Things," featuring two remarkable artists, Emmy Star Brown and Danym Kwon. This collaborative show draws inspiration from Wendell Berry's renowned poem, offering a profound exploration of introspection and innocent curiosity through diverse artistic lenses. Both Brown, an American artist based in Chicago, and Kwon, a Korean artist from San Jose, utilize vibrant colors and layered compositions as a pathway to self-discovery, unearthing emotions, aspirations, and past experiences that might otherwise remain concealed. Their individual styles, though distinct—Brown's abstract expressions juxtaposed with Kwon's fantastical depictions of home life—harmonize beautifully, creating a resonant conversation about how moments linger and shape our perceptions.
The exhibition highlights the unique yet complementary practices of these artists. Brown's bold, abstract works burst with energetic geometric patterns and amorphous shapes, while Kwon's intricate paintings subtly weave personal narratives of family and everyday care into symbolic forms. Together, their creations invite viewers to reflect on their own memories and embrace a sense of childlike wonder, demonstrating art's powerful ability to connect us to our inner worlds and universal human experiences. This duo exhibition, Brown's second and Kwon's third at Joy Machine, promises an immersive journey into the depths of human emotion and artistic ingenuity.
Emmy Star Brown: Abstract Forms and Childlike Imagination
Emmy Star Brown's artistic creations are characterized by their exuberant use of color and dynamic geometric forms. Whether working on expansive murals or smaller canvases, Brown immerses herself in a riot of hues, where fluid shapes and precise lines intertwine. Her compositions evoke a powerful emotional resonance, channeling the evocative qualities of magenta, peach, cobalt, and goldenrod. Brown views her studio as a sanctuary where her inner child freely expresses itself, harnessing the spontaneous and imaginative energy often associated with youth. In both her canvases and unique pieces crafted from recycled cardboard, her lines defy the traditional boundaries of the frame, suggesting a boundless continuation beyond the visible edges, thereby inviting viewers into an expansive world of creative freedom.
Brown’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the concept of accessing and expressing the playful and uninhibited spirit of childhood. Her abstract style, characterized by its vibrant palette and dynamic interplay of shapes, acts as a conduit for raw emotion and unfiltered imagination. Each stroke and color choice is a deliberate act of self-discovery, allowing her to tap into subconscious feelings and memories. The defiance of her lines to be contained within the canvas borders reflects a broader theme of liberation and an unceasing exploration of possibility. This approach ensures that her artworks are not merely visual spectacles but deeply personal journeys that resonate with universal themes of wonder and emotional discovery, encouraging viewers to reconnect with their own innate sense of curiosity and joy.
Danym Kwon: Domesticity, Heritage, and Intimate Narratives
In contrast to Brown's abstracts, Danym Kwon's art intricately portrays domestic life, nesting small, intimate scenes within larger, symbolic forms. She often depicts elements of family life nestled within stacks of folded garments or bulbous vessels reminiscent of traditional Korean Moon Jars. With a tender gaze, Kwon immortalizes everyday acts of care, securely placing them within these encompassing structures. Her technique of rendering elements at varying scales effectively mirrors how memories and experiences surface and recede over time. The soft, muted pastel color palettes she employs further emphasize a gentle appreciation for these quiet, intimate moments, creating a sense of serene contemplation within her works.
Kwon's artistic narrative is also deeply informed by her Korean heritage and her classical training in Asian painting traditions, particularly her profound understanding of negative space. This influence is beautifully illustrated in her diptych, "What We Hold Dear." This piece pairs three small scenes of outdoor adventures with images of hands tenderly cradling tiny mementos collected from such excursions. The artwork is presented within a foldable frame, featuring soft, rounded edges that draw inspiration from elegant Korean design. For both Kwon and Brown, the act of painting serves as a crucial medium for processing past experiences and envisioning future possibilities, creating a space where presence is paramount and wonder and joy are ignited.